Horror Story of the Month! 17/07/08
Legionnaires' disease: It IS a workplace worry.
Jul 17, 2008
A drinks company, and it's specialist water treatment contractor have been fined £300 000 each, plus £50 000 each in costs following an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at it's Hereford plant.
The outbreak affected 26 people, with 2 fatalities due to the disease, when the company failed to instigate and maintain an effective cleaning routine for it's seasonally used cooling towers. It is essential that cooling towers are disinfected and treated regularly to prevent growth of the legionella bacteria.
The two companies pleaded guilty to a breach of section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 which states that 'it shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.'
HSE investigating inspector Tony Woodward explained that the neglect of such an obvious duty of care through inadequate management, could simply not go unpunished, and expressed his hopes that the heavy fines would deter repetition of such an event.
The HSE produce clear guidelines for businesses about controlling the risks of Legionnaires disease on their website, and help is also available via the infoline: 0845 345 0055.
For information about Legionnaires' disease, how it is contracted, and how to protect yourself and your staff visit our H&S blog.