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Oxfordshire firm prosecuted over fire safety breaches (18 February 2016)

Date: 18/02/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Oxfordshire firm prosecuted over fire safety breaches

Oxfordshire County Council has prosecuted a local firm for failing to provide suitable fire safety arrangements for its employees at an industrial unit in Didcot.

Fire Safety Inspectors from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service issued a Prohibition Notice restricting use of the premises, after an inspection found dangerous practices and inadequate fire safety measures, putting the workforce at risk.

The case was then taken to court by Oxfordshire County Council on behalf of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Business World Globe Ltd and its director Mohamed Osman were together ordered to pay just under £14,000, after they allowed employees to work and sleep in dangerous factory conditions at Unit B High Street/Hitchcock Way in Didcot.

At Oxford Magistrates’ Court, Osman admitted seven charges for seven different offences, including failure to risk assess and take such general fire precautions as were reasonably required to ensure the premises were safe for employees.

He was also charged with failure to ensure that emergency exits were kept clear at all times, enabling workers to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible – and failure to provide an adequate fire alarm and detection system.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to provide employees with adequate safety training, all of which meant those present were placed at risk of death or serious injury if there were a fire.

The fines amounted to nearly £9,000, with costs totalling £5,000, plus a victim surcharge of £126.

The Prohibition Notice remains in force.

After the hearing, Premises Risk and Protection Manager for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Stuart Garner, said:

“The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which is enforced by the Fire Authority places a requirement upon the responsible person – usually the building occupier, operator or owner – to firstly undertake a fire risk assessment, and secondly act upon the outcomes of their significant findings.

“It is important that businesses not only understand why such an assessment must be initially undertaken – but also by constantly reviewing and managing their premises, how they can then assist me in creating a safer Oxfordshire.

“By correctly managing their premises and not committing fire safety offences, business operators can avoid placing the occupants at risk of possible death or serious injury in the event of fire.”

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