Staffordshire firm fined after young girl hurt by falling glass during Christmas lights event

Ceramics manufacturer Emma Bridgewater has been handed a £266,666 fine after a young girl was injured by falling broken glass during a Christmas lights switch-on event at its premises in Hanley, Staffordshire.

A snow machine fell from a window above the company's gift shop where members of the public were gathered for the lights switch on in Hanley in November 2024.

The machine hit a light on the way, sending a shard of broken glass towards the girl’s head. She suffered a deep, 5cm (1.9in) long cut as a result, which required hospital treatment.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Emma Bridgewater Limited had not properly assessed the risks associated with the use of the snow machine and had failed to ensure that it was properly secured to prevent it from falling out of the window, despite the manufacturer’s instructions demonstrating clearly how to safely install it.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to ensure that suitable steps are taken to prevent the fall of any material or objects where there is a risk of injury to employees or members of the public.

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on July 6, Emma Bridgewater Limited, located on Lichfield Street in Hanley, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 10(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £266,666 and ordered to pay costs of £4931 along with a victim surcharge of £2000.

Health & Safety Executive Inspector Rob Gidman said: “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.”

Manufacturer Emma Bridgewater said in a statement: “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.”