Story Highlight
– Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery fined £16,667 for worker injury.
– Incident involved worker falling from pallet box.
– Company failed to conduct adequate risk assessment.
– Inadequate supervision allowed unsafe practices to persist.
– HSE emphasizes importance of safe working at height.
Full Story
A well-known bakery company based in Greater Manchester, Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery Limited, has faced significant legal consequences following a workplace incident that resulted in a serious injury to an employee. The event occurred on April 15, 2024, at the bakery’s facility in Lostock, Bolton, where a staff member suffered a hip fracture after falling from a large plastic pallet box while engaged in duties that required working at a height.
The circumstances surrounding the injury revealed critical shortcomings in the company’s safety protocols. According to the findings of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the employee was performing a task that involved disposing of food waste into a skip when the accident occurred. In an attempt to reach the top of the skip, they stood on a pallet box, a decision that ultimately led to the fall.
An investigation carried out by the HSE uncovered that Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery Limited had neglected to perform a comprehensive risk assessment related to loading skips and failed to provide the necessary equipment to ensure that safe access was available. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted a pattern of “inadequate supervision and monitoring,” which contributed to unsafe practices becoming ingrained within the work environment.
On March 13, 2026, the company appeared at Tameside Magistrates’ Court where it pleaded guilty to violating Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This particular legislation mandates that employers take all reasonably practicable measures to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. As a result of the guilty plea, Greenhalgh’s was fined £16,667 and ordered to pay additional costs amounting to £4,333.66, as well as a victim surcharge of £2,000.
The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Arfaq Nabi and paralegal officer Hannah Snelling, underscoring the judicial system’s commitment to holding companies accountable for workplace safety failures.
Established in 1957 by Allan Smart, Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery Limited has grown into a prominent name within the baking industry, supplying a diverse range of products such as pies, breads, savouries, and celebration cakes both locally and nationwide. With a workforce of approximately 950 employees, the family-run business has expanded to operate 59 retail stores alongside its wholesale sector, supported by two manufacturing sites in Bolton.
The incident and subsequent HSE investigation have brought to light broader concerns surrounding workplace safety, particularly regarding the hazards associated with working at height. According to statistics from the HSE, incidents involving falls from heights remain one of the primary causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace.
HSE Inspector Leanne Ratcliffe commented on the situation, emphasising the essential responsibility that employers bear in ensuring workplace safety. “Every employer has a duty to conduct a risk assessment,” she stated. “Employers should identify work-at-height activities and ensure that safe access is available and used. They should also ensure systems are in place for supervision and monitoring so that unsafe practices are identified and prevented.”
The recent case of Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery Limited serves as a cautionary tale for businesses operating in various sectors, illustrating the importance of adhering to health and safety regulations. The incident emphasizes the need for employers to routinely review their safety procedures and ensure that employees are protected from potential workplace hazards.
As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of maintaining a safe working environment, the repercussions of neglecting safety protocols can have severe implications. Companies must prioritize comprehensive risk assessments and provide adequate safety training and supervision to mitigate potential accidents effectively.
In light of this incident, it is increasingly vital for businesses to cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes health and safety. Encouraging employees to voice concerns regarding safety can help identify issues before they lead to accidents. Implementing systematic training programs that address safe practices for tasks involving heights is also essential in preventing future incidents.
As Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery Limited moves forward following this incident, it will be crucial for the firm to re-evaluate its safety measures and enhance its commitment to the welfare of its employees. With the bakery’s considerable presence in the industry and their significant number of employees, they will likely face increased scrutiny and pressure to comply rigorously with health and safety standards.
In conclusion, this incident not only highlights the legal implications for the bakery but also serves as a broader reminder to all businesses about the critical importance of workplace safety. Employers must remain vigilant and proactive in creating an environment where employees can perform their duties safely and effectively.
Our Thoughts
Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery Limited could have avoided the incident by implementing a detailed risk assessment specifically for loading skips and working at height. This includes identifying the hazards associated with using a pallet box for disposal and ensuring that only appropriate equipment, such as step ladders or platforms with guardrails, is used to provide safe access.
Key safety lessons include the necessity for proper supervision and monitoring of work practices to prevent unsafe actions from becoming customary. The lack of oversight contributed to the unsafe working conditions that ultimately led to the employee’s injury.
The company breached Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which mandates employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. To prevent similar incidents, employers should prioritize comprehensive training for staff on safe working at height, conduct regular audits of practices, and foster a safety-first culture. Additionally, implementing a system for reporting unsafe conditions could enhance safety and compliance.
