Reflecting on a claim

Last Thursday, I posted an article on the nightclub fire in Switzerland. Then on Friday, I posted a couple of thoughts triggered by that fire. Watching the video of people filming the fire starting sent shivers through me thinking that many of them most likely perished in that fire. It also brought back a liability claim that I investigated more than 10 years ago which is still so vivid and upsetting.

What had occurred was that a bar held a ‘blue light’ event where under-age youths could attend and enjoy a night club come bar experience but without alcohol being served.

During the course of the night, the barman poured a liquor along the countertop and lit it with the idea of showing this cool blue flame run along the bar. It all went wrong when an empty bottle top, that I think must have got some of the alcohol poured into it, flicked up and sprayed burning liquid onto the chest of a 16-year-old girl wearing a highly flammable top. Her burns were horrific and required her to be airlifted by helicopter to the children’s hospital were fortunately she survived but with life changing scars.

Investigations took place by the police, WorkSafe Victoria and others.

Before the incident, it was thought to be a harmless spectacle. Afterwards, it was seen for what it was, a stupid thing to have done.

Being in business is a risk in itself but it is imperative that risk is managed carefully by every business owner and/or manager.

As one example, for restaurants, bars and nightclubs, I would recommend banning candles, sparklers, flaming drinks, and pyrotechnics of any type. If you want to create an intimate mood switch to flameless battery candles. Way safer.