Recycling company fined £30,000 after fire at Surrey plant

A recycling company has been fined following an explosion and fire at their site in Surrey which left a worker in an induced coma.

Ereco EMEA Corporation Ltd, of Lewes Road, East Sussex, was fined £30,000 following a joint investigation by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive. It was also ordered to pay costs of £30,000.

Following the sentencing, Denise Turner-Stewart, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Despite warnings, Ereco failed to deal with the risk of fire at its plant leading to a catastrophic explosion of flammable toner powder. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service works with employers to help them comply with fire safety laws but where a lax approach puts people at risk won’t hesitate to take enforcement and legal action.”

For the full media release, visit the Health and Safety Executive website.