Electrical safety at car wash a danger
A NEWCASTLE car wash which employed four illegal workers has been served a prohibition notice.
On Wednesday, the North East Regional Specialist Operations Unit (NERSOU) disruption team carried out a visit to the Arena car wash on Plummer Street after concerns were raised over the welfare of staff and their working conditions.
They were joined by teams from Northumbria Police, National Crime Agency, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), HM Revenue and Customs, Immigration Enforcement and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.
Officials from HSE visited the site and identified electrical faults which put workers and customers at risk.
HSE served three prohibition notices to stop the use of the dangerous electrical systems and one of the appliances. The notice stops the car wash from operating until the faults have been resolved.
HSE inspector Ash Ali said: “Electrical systems must be installed and maintained by trained professionals. The electrical system we found at the car wash was extremely poor and could have resulted in someone being seriously injured or killed.”
NERSOU are now asking residents and city centre visitors to be vigilant.
Kevin Benson, the Government Agency Intelligence network co-ordinator from NERSOU, said: “If you see something suspicious, or you have concerns about someone’s welfare, you should always report it.”
If you have concerns about a local business or individuals you think might be at risk of exploitation, contact Northumbria Police via the “Tell Us Something” section of their website.