A two year old was recovering after a large white fireplace collapsed on her in a Laura Ashley store. The retail chain known for its fashion and homewares collections was criticised after it emerged it was the second time an incident like this had occurred.
In this latest incident, the toddler was struck by the heavy metal fireplace surround at its branch in London Street, Norwich, on August 2nd 2008.
The injured youngster was rushed to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where it discovered the child had a fractured skull. The child was later transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. The child, who has not been identified, later made a good recovery from her personal injury.
At Norwich Magistrates’ Court Laura Ashley Ltd pleaded guilty to the two Health and Safety breaches.
Under Section Three of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 they were fined a maximum of £20,000. The Act stipulates employers must prevent risks to the safety of non-workers.
Laura Ashley Ltd were also fined a further £3,500 for failing to review its risk assessments after a fireplace in it’s Guildford store, fell on a different child. Norwich City Council, who brought the prosecution, were also awarded full costs of £8,137 at the hearing.
Health and safety inspector for Norwich City Council, Peter Riseborough said he was delighted with the results.
“We take matters of this kind extremely seriously and we are pleased the district judge in this case has taken the same view,” he said. ”Everyone involved with this case is pleased that the young girl involved has made such a strong recovery”
”It could have been avoided had the company taken action following the earlier incident to ensure the fireplace surround could not fall. I would ask that all companies thoroughly investigate incidents and look beyond the immediate causes at why they have happened.
”In this case, two separate fireplaces in different parts of the country fell and struck children, and conclusions should have been drawn from the earlier incident and changes implemented.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said that it is down to employers to train staff effectively to be aware of safety issues and develop solutions.
RoSPA’s occupational safety adviser, said: ”This case illustrates the sad fact that too many organisations are still failing to put good arrangements in place to learn lessons from incidents and near misses.
”Poor health and safety management is the root cause of far too many serious incidents such as this.”
Clive Barrett, a Laura Ashley director, and three other senior staff were in court for the case. After the hearing Mr Barrett said: “Laura Ashley limited are deeply sorry for the unfortunate accident that occurred in our Norwich store. We extend out heartfelt sympathy to the young child that was injured and to her family and the distress the incident has caused them.
“We were exceptionally pleased to hear that the young child has made an excellent recovery.”
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