Legionella Prosecution after Three Deaths

A court case is continuing after Mr Michael Lewis, Managing Director of Imco Plastics Factory, based in Glastonbury, Somerset pleaded not guilty at Bristol Crown Court to three charges of manslaughter and two of failing to ensure adequate health and safety standards.

During August 1998, fourteen people contracted Legionnaires' disease after visiting the garden centre next door to the factory. Three of those who became ill, Virginia Wall, Michael Carroll and Rita Spencer, died from the disease.

The prosecuting barrister, Mr Philip Mott, said that the cooling tower was a "recipe for disaster".

Legionella bacteria are encountered widely in the natural environment and can never be eliminated. Prevention of legionellosis is achieved by controlling the multiplication of the bacteria to a point where they may cause the disease.

The HSE has issued an Approved Code of Practice regarding the simple and straightforward water-hygiene precautions that are needed to prevent the spread of this infection.
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