EMMA BRIDGEWATER FINED £266,000 AFTER SNOW MACHINE INJURES GIRL

Emma Bridgewater Limited has been ordered to pay £266,666 after a 12-year-old girl sustained injuries at a Christmas lights switch-on event at the company's factory in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, on 23 November 2024. An artificial snow machine dislodged from a window above the gift shop, struck a light fitting, and sent broken glass towards the child. The girl was taken to hospital for treatment of a deep laceration to her head. The company pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court to breaching Work at Height regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The Health and Safety Executive's investigation found that Emma Bridgewater Limited had failed to assess risks adequately and had not ensured the equipment was properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. The fine comprised £266,666 in penalties, £4,931 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge. HSE inspector Rob Gidman stated that proper planning and securing of the machine would have prevented the incident entirely, and noted the victim was fortunate not to sustain more serious injuries.

In a statement, a spokesman for Emma Bridgewater said the company deeply regretted the incident and the injury caused to the visitor. The company stated it had co-operated fully with the Health and Safety Executive throughout the investigation and accepted the penalty imposed by the court.