A ceramics company has been fined more than £265,000 following an incident in which a 12-year-old girl was injured during a Christmas lights event. Emma Bridgewater Limited admitted breaching safety regulations at its Hanley facility in Stoke-on-Trent.
The incident occurred on November 23, 2024, when an artificial snow machine positioned above the site’s gift shop became dislodged. The machine struck a nearby light fixture, causing a shard of glass to fall and cut the child’s head, requiring hospital treatment.
At Birmingham Magistrates Court this week, Emma Bridgewater Limited pleaded guilty to the safety breach. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) noted that the accident could have been prevented if the snow machine had been properly secured. The regulator emphasized the importance of ensuring equipment safety to avoid such hazards.
The court imposed a fine exceeding £265,000 on the company, reflecting the seriousness of the breach and the injury sustained. The incident highlights the risks associated with event installations and the need for rigorous safety checks in public venues.