Specialist Welcomes Fine Over Legionella Risk Two Firms Prosecuted Over Safety Failings 30.06.2011 A workplace injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell has called for lessons to be learnt from a case in which workers and the public were put at risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria due to safety failings.Eaton Ltd and Aegis Water Treatment Ltd were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling around £250,000 in relation to the incident in 2006, when both firms were found to have failed in their duties to manage water cooling systems at the former’s plant in Brierley Hill.It was confirmed that neither firm had taken steps to prevent the potential danger of Legionella through risk assessments or through cleaning and maintenance. Both firms were also thought to have failed to carry out such tasks over a long period of time.David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Companies must always take the necessary steps to keep both workers and the public safe from any potential risks which could arise during their operations.“Sadly, the Health and Safety Executive found clear concerns that this was not the case here and it is welcome that action has been taken that will raise awareness of such dangers.“We represent a number of people who have suffered as a result of exposure to Legionella bacteria and have seen how such illnesses can have a potentially life-changing impact on sufferers.“Lessons need to be learnt from this case and I hope that both firms can provide reassurances that the same problems witnessed in this incident will not be seen again.” Press contact James Clarke Press Officer +44 (0)161 838 3169 Email James Related articles 15.02.2019Transgender Man Fights For Right To Be Recognised As Father On Child's Birth Certificate 14.02.2019Former Shipyard Worker Seeks Answers After Lung Cancer Diagnosis Is Linked To Asbestos 13.02.2019Woman Who Suffered Delayed Diagnosis Speaks Out After Trust Admits Errors 12.02.2019Another Set Of Dementia Friends Made At Irwin Mitchell's Chichester Office 11.02.2019West London Family's Hope For Answers After Mum With Mental Health Problems Dies 11.02.2019Dad Assaulted and Run Over In Chesterfield Town Centre Reveals Battle To Return To Health