Ceramics giant Emma Bridgewater has been ordered to pay a substantial fine exceeding £265,000 after a young girl sustained injuries from broken glass during a Christmas lights switch-on event at its factory.
The 12-year-old was attending the festive gathering at the company’s Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, premises on 23 November 2024 when an artificial snow machine dislodged from a window above the gift shop. It struck a light fitting, sending a shard of glass towards her.
The girl required hospital treatment for a deep laceration to her head, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Emma Bridgewater Limited admitted guilt at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday to breaching Work at Height regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The company was subsequently fined £266,666, along with costs of £4,931 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.
An investigation by the HSE revealed that Emma Bridgewater Limited had failed to adequately assess the risks associated with operating the snow machine.
Crucially, it had not ensured the equipment was properly secured to prevent it from falling, despite the manufacturer’s instructions detailing safe installation procedures.
HSE inspector Rob Gidman said after the court hearing: “What should have been a festive event was marred by haphazard planning which left a young girl needing hospital treatment.
“Had the positioning of the snow machine been properly planned and the machine itself been properly secured, this incident could have been avoided entirely – and it’s fortunate the victim did not sustain more serious injuries.
“Christmas gatherings are a happy occasion but it’s vital organisers thoroughly assess the risks and put in place measures to minimise the risk of harm to the public.”
In a statement, a spokesman for Emma Bridgewater said: “Emma Bridgewater Limited and everyone connected with the company deeply regrets the incident on 23 November 2024 and the injury suffered by a visitor to our Christmas event.
“The company has co-operated with the Health and Safety Executive throughout its investigation into the incident and accepts the penalty imposed.”
