Bedford Dry Cleaners Sees Fine for Health and Safety
Safety failings at a Bedford dry cleaner have led to fines. The store put workers lives at risk with their lack of health and safety oversight. During health and safety audits, the HSE found that Kempston Cleaners did not offer a safe working environment. In fact, it was quite the opposite. The company had already been cited by the Environmental Health Department regarding a gas fired boiler that was in a dangerous condition. Instead of replacing the corroded, cracked flue and damaged device, they allowed the boiler to remain in the workplace. Workers could have suffered from carbon monoxide emissions or worse – an explosion from the boiler.
The HSE immediately gave notice and closed the location until a proper system could be put in place. They also insisted that the boiler be regularly serviced. The company has been fined £4,000 for breaking regulation 5 Section 1. An additional fine for regulation 8 has been issued at £2,000. Court costs include £1,200 and there is a £15 victim surcharge as a part of the fine. A case such as this definitely shows the importance of safety and health in the workplace. The company did not have their employees’ best interests at heart and this is why they have been fined. A steam boiler needs to be properly maintained to avoid any incident. The HSE will continue to watch over the company to make certain they have yearly servicing of the new boiler.
