Company fined after workers catch Legionnaires' disease

The butchery company, Kepak Ltd, has been fined £25,000 by Preston Crown Court and ordered to pay £20,000 costs after two employees caught Legionnaires’ disease at its premises in Bamber Bridge, Preston.

An employee who was employed as a boner was diagnosed on 26th September 2006 and a second employee who worked as a packer on 3rd October 2006.

Following the results of water samples, significant levels of legionella were identified at three sites in the building; the pressure washer hose point, an apron wash shower point and a pressure washer header tank. The Court heard that Kepak Ltd failed to carry out simple checks on the hot and cold water systems leaving their staff vulnerable to contracting the disease.

If you have any health and safety concerns please contact Vizards Wyeth's Health and Safety Team.