FAILURE to follow health and safety regulations, which led to a guest suffering an electric shock, has cost hoteliers in excess of £36,000 in costs and fines.

Both directors behind Bremwell Ltd, the company which operate the Rose and Crown Hotel, in East Street, appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday for the sentencing.

Represented by Angus Withington, Bremwell Ltd had previously admitted five breaches under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

One of the breaches exposed staff and customers to what an independent report claimed was a “trace finding of legionella” - lower than the upper limit of 100cfu/l at 80, back in 2011.

District Judge John Woollard highlighted how the hotel failed to have a proper asbestos inspection plan in place, risk assessments with regards to staff using chemicals like cleaning products, or to have its customer lift checked in accordance with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.

The judge said: “The hotel had known for some years there had been an initial infection of legionella and failed to put in place safeguards...there’s no evidence there had been a reinfection but the steps weren’t there to prevent it.”

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The court heard the bacteria had disappeared by 2013 and it continues to be monitored.

Asbestos found within a door panel and lining, and a ceiling panel, have also been removed.

An independent report stated they posed a “negligible risk of any harm”.

Mr Withington said: “The directors want me to express their regret for each of these offences and their sincere regret these matters have resulted in criminal proceedings.

“They’ve been trading for 18 years in relation to this hotel.”

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Gazette:

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Bremwell Ltd, which has a £1.2million turnover, also faces a compensation battle from the guest who had an electric shock from an iron cable.

The exposed live wire was one of 44 items a Colchester Council health and safety inspector said needed attention after the accident in January 2017.

Victoria Jempson, prosecuting, said the guest’s hand was stuck to the cable for up to five seconds. She added: “He was told he could have muscle or nerve damage.”

COLCHESTER COUNCIL PRAISE OUTCOME OF CASE

Councillor Tina Bourne, portfolio holder for housing and communities, said: “Health and safety regulations are incredibly important and businesses and employers have a responsibility to protect their staff and customers' safety and welfare whilst they're on the premises.

“Colchester Borough Council is always happy to advise and work with business to ensure they comply with health and safety regulations, but where businesses fail to meet these requirements, the council will take the necessary enforcement and legal action, which this case demonstrates.”

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