U.K. Fireworks Factory Owner Guilty of Manslaughter in Death of Firemen

Safety in the workplace is about more than just a “good” program communicated to employees and posted in the workplace. Workplace safety requires the employer to be aware of and take action when there is a known or possible safety hazard.

As reported by the BBC, the owner of a fireworks factory in Britain was found guilty of manslaughter in the deaths of two firemen killed in an explosion at his factory. The man was cited for being “grossly negligent” as he knew an unlicensed metal container packed with fireworks could explode if a blaze broke out.

Along with killing the two firemen, both long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, the blast injured 20 others, mainly police and fire officers

At trial at Lewes Crown Court, the company was also found guilty on two counts of breaching health and safety legislation. The metal container was being used to house fireworks before being shipped to the Middle East.

The jury is continuing deliberations on two charges of manslaughter faced by the man’s 25-year-old son. (workersxzcompxzkit)

Prosecutors argued t he two men were aware of the hazards posed by housing such fireworks in a metal container, not authorized by the company’s license. The defense said the defendants could not be considered responsible for the pair of deaths because it was the duty of firefighters to be aware of the dangers.

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