Halifax cosmetics firm fined after inspection found serious electrical failings at premises

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an unannounced inspection at the premises of Sabel Cosmetics Limited on Pellon Lane in Halifax on 5 July 2022.

During the visit, the inspectors uncovered electrical deficiencies that posed serious risks of both electric shock and electrocution to workers.

A subsequent investigation by HSE found there was a systemic failure within the company to address the risks identified with the electrical systems. The inadequate construction and maintenance of the electrical system at the premises presented an immediate risk of employees coming into direct contact with exposed live parts on equipment and machinery within the company premises. The company allowed the breaches to subsist over a long period of time.

Sabel Cosmetics Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The company was fined £56,695 and ordered to pay £5,949 in costs at Leeds Magistrates Court on 10 October 2024.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Andrea Jones commented: “This case shows the importance of HSE inspections to help ensure health and safety risks are being managed effectively and protect people at work.

“It is essential that electrical wiring installations and electrical equipment are constructed and maintained in a safe condition to prevent injuries or even worse, death.

“In this case, simple inexpensive steps could have been taken to remedy the most serious defects, instead the company’s inaction has resulted in more than £60,000 in fines and costs.”

In a statement, Sable Cosmetics said: “We are a family business and the safety of our workers is our priority.

"We were completing a programme of works when the HSE inspected in 2022 but we accept that we had not adequately dealt with the risks.

"We have made significant improvements since then and the electrical installation was approved in July 2023.”