Recently, a case in West Bromwich in the West Midlands highlighted the importance for businesses of remaining health and safety compliant and the consequences of failing to do so.
Riaar Plastics Limited was fined for failing to manage the risk of Legionella, a deadly bacteria. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company’s poor maintenance of water-cooling towers led to five individuals contracting Legionnaires’ disease. One victim was critically ill and required intensive care.
Cases like this highlight the importance of thorough health and safety practices and receiving expert legal advice and representation when things do go wrong.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia, caused by inhaling air contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Such bacteria can flourish in water systems that are not properly maintained, like the poorly kept water-cooling towers at Riaar Plastics.
Legal implications
Riaar Plastics pleaded guilty to breaching sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £11,000 in costs.
For advice and guidance on potential health and safety investigations or prosecutions, please contact our expert team today.
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