Emma Bridgewater Ltd Fined After Girl Injured by Glass at Stoke-on-Trent Christmas Event
Emma Bridgewater Ltd, a renowned ceramics manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent, has faced significant repercussions following an unfortunate incident during a Christmas event in Hanley in 2024. The company was fined £266,666 after a 12-year-old girl was injured by a shard of glass that fell from a snow machine positioned above the crowd. The incident occurred during the festive lights switch-on, a time typically filled with joy and celebration. Instead, it turned into a distressing experience for the young girl, who required hospital treatment for a deep cut on her head. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation and found that the snow machine had not been properly secured, despite clear installation instructions from the manufacturer. HSE inspector Rob Gidman emphasized that the incident could have been entirely avoided with better planning and risk assessment. He highlighted the importance of ensuring public safety during events, particularly those that are meant to be joyous occasions. The company accepted responsibility for the oversight and expressed deep regret for the incident, acknowledging the need for improved safety measures in future events. In addition to the fine, Emma Bridgewater Ltd was ordered to pay costs of £4,931 and a victim surcharge of £2,000. The firm has committed to cooperating fully with the HSE and taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety in public gatherings, especially during festive celebrations, where the well-being of attendees should always be a top priority. As Stoke-on-Trent continues to host various events, the community hopes that such incidents will lead to enhanced safety protocols, ensuring that future gatherings remain safe and enjoyable for all.
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