Fareham Firm Gets £75k H&S Fine

A Hampshire firm's been given a hefty Health and Safety fine.

In July 2009 an employee of Palmer & Harvey McLane in Segensworth made a complaint to Environmental Health regarding the Health & Safety arrangements in place there. 

The man, who'd worked at the company since 2006, was suffering from cold-related ill health as a result of the company failing to provide adequate personal protective equipment to protect him from injury from cold whilst working in a large freezer.

He had very painful feet and fingers and was walking with the use of crutches. He'd been referred to the Institute of Naval Medicine in Gosport by his GP and was diagnosed with cold related injuries.

Fareham Borough Council said that the serious nature of the employees injury was as a result of the companies health & safety failings, and they were left with no option but to prosecute the company for those failings. 

Palmer and Harvey McLane Ltd were fined £75,000 and full costs.

Councillor Mrs Pamela Bryant, Chairman of the Council's Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Committee said:

"It is very sad when anyone is injured as a result of simply going to work, however those who live and work in Fareham should be reassured that the Council will take enforcement action of this nature where appropriate to send a positive message to employers regarding their Health & Safety at Work responsibilities."