LONDON, UK: Euticals Ltd (formerly Archimica Ltd), manufactures and distributes speciality chemical products in Sandycroft, Deeside. Mold Crown Court heard that after repeated visits between March 2008 and October 2010, the company failed to take precautions to reduce the risks from dangerous substances in case of fires or explosions. The company had failed to comply with three improvement notices.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) extended the period of compliance for each notice multiple times, but the company failed to take necessary actions. “Archimica Limited had plenty of opportunity to comply with the improvement notices after repeated visits from HSE and they still chose not to. They deal with dangerous chemicals each day and have a legal responsibility to make sure that how they do that is safe,” said Mark Burton, HSE inspector.
“An aggravating feature is the defendant company’s reckless regard for adhering to the law and somewhat dismissive attitude to those in the HSE trying to guide them and neglecting to take preventative measures to reduce the risks,” said Judge Philip Hughes, while delivering his sentence.
Euticals Limited pleaded guilty under Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was ordered to pay £8,344 in costs as well as a fine. In mitigation, the company said it has now spent more than £1million to comply with the notices.
© WOC News