HPA fined for safety failings
Categories:
Food Health and Safety |
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been handed a hefty fine for exposing several employees to the risk of infection of E. coli O157.
In October 2007, staff raised concerns when an amount of the bacteria spilled onto the floor of the site waste discard facility, as it was being disposed of.
A subsequent investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there was an overall failure to ensure safe handling of the bacteria.
Indeed, the HPA had neglected to assess the risk involved in the waste transfer and disposal process of E.coli O157.
Added to this, it had not properly trained employees involved in this work to ensure it was carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures.
The HPA pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at City of London Magistrates' court.
The organisation was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay £20,166.
Following the sentencing, HSE specialist inspector Jennifer Higham commented: "E. coli O157 is a highly infectious and potentially deadly bacterium and there are well established practices for handling this safely.
"But in this case, these practices were not met, exposing several staff and potentially their families to a real risk of infection."
To reduce the risk of spreading harmful bacteria, Britons employed within the catering industry are advised to use appropriate
workwear.
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