A County Durham car valeting company must pay out more than £10,000 after safety inspectors found workers were at risk of electrocution.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has taken action to protect staff at UK Express Valeting Limited based on the Abraham Industrial Estate in Bishop Auckland. It comes after an HSE investigation found the car cleaning firm was using unsafe equipment and faulty electrical installations which posed a danger to staff.
HSE first visited UK Express Valeting Limited in March 2020 and took enforcement action after inspectors found the business had "unsafe electrical installations" and "inadequate welfare facilities".
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During a second visit in March 2022, HSE found that several electrical installations were badly maintained and dangerous. The company was then served a prohibition notice that prevented it from using some of its equipment because of the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
UK Express Valeting Limited was also served with an improvement notice requiring them to arrange for an electrician to test and inspect its electrical installations and equipment. The company was also required to arrange for any defects identified to be fixed by a professional.
However, the HSE has said the firm did not take any action despite four other visits over seven months. UK Express Valeting Limited was then served another notice by HSE in July 2022 that prevented it from using the roller shutter garage door control and a vacuum cleaner as both had exposed live conductors.
The HSE investigation found workers at UK Express Valeting Limited were put at "significant risk of electric shock or electrocution by the lack of maintenance and failure to put right the faults found with the electrical installations." It was also found that the company did not have valid employers' liability compulsory insurance.
UK Express Valeting pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to comply with an Improvement Notice, Section 33(1)(g) and section 1(1) of the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
The company was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £4,239.80 in costs at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on May 16.
HSE inspector Clare Maltby said: “Companies are responsible for making certain that their electrical installation and equipment are maintained to prevent danger. All car wash and valeting centres must properly maintain their electrical installation and equipment.
“Failure to comply with enforcement notices is a serious offence and HSE will not hesitate to prosecute where companies fail to take the action required.”
HSE inspectors were supported on visits to the company by police officers from North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).
Following the investigation, Kev Benson, the North East GAIN Co-ordinator and disruption team manager for NEROCU, is asking residents to be vigilant.
“This is yet another example of the ongoing work with partners to safeguard workers," he said.
"No-one should have to work in conditions that are unsafe and a risk to themselves and others. Where necessary we will support action taken by partners to ensure no laws are being broken and any enforcement notices are complied with.
“I am asking members of the public to continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns or information you have about dangerous working conditions. By doing so you’re helping keep your community safe for everyone.”
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