Health and Safety Fine with a Bang

Posted on Monday 30th August 2010

The case of an employee hit and blinded by a mortar firework in Bristol in 2008, has been heard at Bristol Crown Court in August 2010 and has revealed negligence by JWP Fireworks.  The investigation by Bath and North East Somerset Council EHOs has revealed that the employee was not given any personal protective equipment such as goggles, gloves or ear defenders.  He had not been trained to use professional fireworks and Jason Edgecombe, the owner of the company had forged public liability insurance documentation to obtain fireworks and get work as a display operator.  As the offence was committed before the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 came into force in January 2009, the Judge, Neil Ford QC could only impose a financial penalty.  Had the offence occurred after January 2009, Mr Edgecombe could face a maximum of 2 years in prison.   Sentencing is scheduled for late August.