Board admits failings linked to gas explosion

Andrew McLaughlin, the chief executive of the government, appeared in court on behalf of the States Employment Board

The States Employment Board has pleaded guilty to two health and safety charges relating to a gas explosion which killed 10 people, it said.

The board, which employs the island's public servants, has been accused of failing to ensure the health and safety of its employees and the public in relation to the Haut du Mont explosion on 10 December 2022.

It issued a statement after a hearing in the Magistrates' Court on Thursday where the government's chief executive Andrew McLaughlin appeared on behalf of the States Employment Board.

The next court hearing will be in the Royal Court on 4 November.

The charges were brought against the States Employment Board after an investigation by the Health and Safety Inspectorate.

At the court hearing, the magistrate decided to refer the case to the Royal Court.

The three-storey Haut du Mont residential block in St Helier collapsed on 10 December 2022

In their statement after the court hearing, the States Employment Board said: "The States Employment Board, as the employer of Jersey's public servants, has today pleaded guilty to charges following an investigation by the Health and Safety Inspectorate under the Health and Safety at Work law.

"Both the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service and the Emergency Services Control Centre (Fire and Rescue) remain committed to strengthening arrangements in the areas identified by the Health and Safety Inspectorate's thorough investigations."

Chief fire officer Paul Brown also made a statement after the hearing, saying the service remained "deeply saddened" by the events at Haut du Mont and continued to support the investigations.

"We will not stop learning and implementing improvements from all incidents, in Jersey and elsewhere, and we will share our learning to help others," Mr Brown said.

"While I cannot comment further until the legal process is concluded, my thoughts, indeed those of us all, remain with all those who have been affected by this tragic event."