Cineworld Manchester

Case number 1

In February 2015, Cineworld Cinemas Limited was prosecuted at Manchester Magistrates' Court following an investigation by Manchester City Council into electrical safety failures at its East Didsbury multiplex. 
Incident Overview
On 4 December 2013, two employees at the Parrs Wood cinema suffered electric shocks from a faulty popcorn warming machine. 

• The First Incident (approx. 11:00 am): A staff member received a shock while switching the machine on. The incident was reported to management.
• The Management Failure: Instead of isolating the faulty unit, staff accidentally unplugged a nearby machine that was in good working order, leaving the dangerous machine live and in use. No warning signs were placed on the faulty equipment.
• The Second Incident (approx. 9:00 pm): Roughly 10 hours later, a second employee was shocked while attempting to turn the machine off at the end of their shift. This employee reported their arm going stiff and experiencing muscle spasms. 

Safety Failings
The investigation by Manchester City Council identified several critical breaches: 

• Exposed Live Parts: The machine had a broken switch and a missing panel, which left a live circuit board completely exposed.
• Environmental Risks: The faulty machine was located next to a slush drink machine. The resulting damp conditions significantly heightened the risk of a fatal electric shock.
• Lack of Training: Some staff members reported they had not received adequate training on how to handle electrical incidents or equipment failure. 
  
  

Legal Outcome & Penalties
Cineworld Cinemas Limited pleaded guilty to two charges under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. 
IPAT Ltd +1
Penalty Component Amount
Fine£9,500
Prosecution Costs£2,573.29
Victim Surcharge£120
Total Payable£12,193.29
Judicial Commentary
District Judge Nicholas Sanders noted that while the first incident might have been difficult to avoid, the second was "clearly avoidable" had proper isolation and communication procedures been followed. He described the situation as a "breakdown in procedures at a local level" rather than a systematic failure across the entire company. 
Link below to news article.
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https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/cinworld-fined-after-two-staff-8672372