A LUXURY boat manufacturer has admitted breaking two health laws after a factory spillage caused a major fire risk and knocked an employee unconscious.

But Sealine International, of Kidderminster, must wait five weeks to discover how much it will be fined after the town magistrates sent the case to Worcester Crown Court for sentencing.

They could have imposed fines totalling £25,000 for the two offences but decided their powers were insufficient to impose suitable punishment.

The firm pleaded guilty to one charge of breaching health and safety laws for failing to prevent the risk of fire and another breach of hazardous substance rules for not providing breathing equipment for employees cleaning up the spillage.

On Friday, November 16, last year, a pipe had been blocked but a valve was left open after the problem had been solved and a tonne of polyester resin spilled on to the factory floor, said Stephen Flanagan, the health and safety executive's principal inspector of factories.

One worker, Virginia West, was overcome by fumes from the resin when she helped to clear it up, and collapsed unconscious.

Andrew Litchfield, defending, said the incident caused "grave concern and deep regret".

A takeover by an American corporation had created a new culture and led to improvement in health and safety, he said.

The case was adjourned to the crown court for sentencing on Thursday, September 26.