Girl, 12, injured by smashed window during Emma Bridgewater Christmas lights switch-on
Ceramics giant Emma Bridgewater has been ordered to pay a significant fine of more than £265,000 after a young girl was injured by broken glass during a Christmas lights switch-on event at her factory.
The 12-year-old was attending a festive gathering at the company’s premises in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, on November 23, 2024, when an artificial snow machine flew through the window above the gift shop. It hit a light source and sent a shard of glass towards it.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the girl needed hospital treatment for a deep laceration to her head.
Emma Bridgewater Limited pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday to breaching Working at Height regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The company was later fined £266,666, along with £4,931 costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
An investigation by the HSE found that Emma Bridgewater Limited failed to adequately assess the risks associated with operating a snowmachine.
More importantly, he did not ensure 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 was supposed to be a festive event was marred by haphazard planning which left a young girl needing hospital treatment.
“If the location of the snowmachine had been properly planned and the machine itself properly secured, this incident could have been entirely avoided and fortunately the victim did not suffer more serious injuries.
“Christmas gatherings are a happy occasion but it is vital that organizers assess the risks in detail and put measures in place to minimize the risk of harm to the public.”
A spokesperson for Emma Bridgewater said in a statement: “Emma Bridgewater Limited and everyone associated with the company are deeply saddened by the incident on 23 November 2024 and the injury to a visitor to our Christmas event.
“The company cooperated with the Health and Safety Executive throughout its investigation into the incident and accepts the penalty imposed.”
