A club in Oldham has been fined £14,000 after a pregnant staff member fell through an open cellar hatch.
The 23-year-old was working behind the bar at Bamboogy, Yorkshire Street, when she turned around and fell through the open doors down several stairs.
The staff member, who wishes not to be named, was knocked unconscious by the fall and required hospital treatment for bruising.
The incident was investigated by Environmental Health officers, who had previously warned the company about the cellar hazard.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, said: “This was an extremely serious incident which could have had far more tragic consequences for the lady and her baby.
“From the CCTV footage you can clearly see this was unsafe for members of staff to be working around.
“It was unacceptable and an accident waiting to happen.
“That’s why we did not hesitate to take legal action against the nightclub owners.”
Owners of the club pleaded guilty at Oldham Magistrates Court on Wednesday, February 24, to one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act and two offences under the Management Regulations.
The firm was fined £14,000 with £150 victim surcharge and ordered to pay costs of £3,150.
The court was shown CCTV footage of the accident, which shows several members of staff walking around the open hatch.
Cllr Brownridge added: “Employers should make the safety of their employees and customers their number one priority.
“This accident could have been easily prevented if proper protective measures had been put in place and I’d urge businesses, if they don’t already, to check that they have correct health and safety policies and procedures in place.
“It’s also important that employees feel safe in the workplace and if they don’t they should report their concerns.
“I’m relieved to hear that mum is doing well and delighted she later gave birth to a healthy girl.”
Since the incident, officers have made health and safety recommendations, which the company have complied with.
