A HEALTH inspector labelled the premises of a tyre-fitting firm as "one of the most lethal workplaces" he had ever seen, a court heard.

One member of staff had been thrown to the ground after getting an electric shock and employees were in danger of being electrocuted, it was claimed.

National Tyre Company was fined a total of £13,000 with £280 costs by Scarborough magistrates after pleading guilty to four charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Michael Bell, prosecuting for Scarborough Council, said rainwater had penetrated the company's premises in St Thomas Street, Scarborough, creating a "highly dangerous environment."

Environmental health officer Tony Abbs had been called to the premises by National Tyre's branch manager, Philip Bailey, because he was so worried. Another staff member, Steve Lawson had received electric shocks because of rain leaking on to the electricity system and had been thrown to the floor, due partially to a severed cable.

Rain had penetrated the felt and boarded wooden roof and saturated a brick wall said Mr Bell. "There were hazardous conditions and the overall premises were of a very low standard regarding health and safety regulations." An area manager for National Tyres said there was no money to carry out repairs, he added.

"Mr Bailey had complained because he could not face another winter of receiving electric shocks".

As a result of the council's inspections, a prohibition notice was put on the use of the electrical equipment.

"It is fortunate that the electric shocks suffered by the staff were not fatal. Despite verbal request from the staff nothing was done."

Merick Pascall, for National Tyres, said the company had no record of any complaints being made by the staff. The company had a procedure for health and safety work procedure and the Scarborough branch had been sent a form, but no comments were made about the conditions.

"We accept the conditions at the premises were unacceptable" he said.

He said the company had carried out £16,000 worth of repairs since the incident.

Mr Pascall said the premises were operating at a loss.

The court heard that the electrical installations were more suitable for a domestic garage than a tyre company premises.

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