No Lighting On Stairwell

[patrickstar]

My partners shop has not lighting on the stairwell from the shop floor up to the storeroom and toilets due to a fuse failure. The stairs are metal, with a handrail and the only light comes through a small high level window. Now it’s winter the stairs will be in darkness from around 4pm.
She has been informed that the issue cannot be dealt with until next week due to a shortage of engineers and to use the torch from their mobile phones.
I feel this is totally unacceptable from a Health and Safety standpoint. Does anyone know of any regulations that may cover this issue? The shop owners were only worried about the shop floor and if it affected trading. They did say nothing to be carried up or down the stairs but nothing more than that. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you

[bednobs]

if there is a shortage of engineers, im not sure what else she expects to be done. occasionally things like this do happen and next week doesn't sound all that far away. She could easily (for example ) use the workaround suggested, or bring in a camping light as a very temporary measure. Or just use the loo before it gets dark to avoid the situation altogether

[bednobs]

ps i realise that it's not a great situation, but even if there were regulations to cover the situation, what use would they be if they can't physically get someone to fix it next week?

[Peter Pedant]

as a principle - the employer MUST give his work force a safe place to work

so google HSE and tell her to phone - and being father christmas ( me that is!) does she want a job in the New Year.

and no I really dont agree that there is NO-ONE who can fix it - the employer doesnt want to pay a call out fee to some one other than his usual man

[Mamyalynne]

Shop owner could surely provide temporary lighting, even battery powered for a few days.

[Peter Pedant]

no yes
they are under a duty to Mama

but if an employer is too thick to provide a good work environment then he is likely to fire anyone who complains

yeah yeah I know he is not allowed to
BUT it boils down to does the posters fren' want a job?

[Mamyalynne]

I understand the hold employers have over staff, at times it stinks.

Apologies Patrick.

[patrickstar]

Bednobs, as the most common workplace accident is fall from stairs or steps the company saying sometime next week is unacceptable. Maybe we should say drink drive Mon-Fri but not over the weekend as there will be more police. The workaround they suggested even breaks their own rules of no mobile phones allowed on the shop floor. And you cannot say when you may need the loo.
I have suggested shutting the shop (that will get their attention), get an external recognised electrician and bill the company, or buy temporary lights out of shop funds.
She has instructed the staff not to replenish the shop from the stockroom. Thanks to those who have provided sensible options.

[bednobs]

"Maybe we should say drink drive Mon-Fri but not over the weekend as there will be more police"
eh? what has that got to do with anything?
"Thanks to those who have provided sensible options."
like what? the only actual suggestion i can see it to get temporary/battery powered lighting, which is what i suggested in my first post :)