Month: May 2016

Business Man Fined after Worker Falls Through Skylight

Posted on May 27, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A self-employed business man has been fined after one of his employees fell through a fragile skylight in an accident at work.

Accident at work incident

On 13 November 2014, Ian Kirby – an employee of Phillip Posnett, was replacing broken tiles on the roof of a farm building. Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard how once the work was completed, Mr Kirby stepped onto an adjacent roof to get rid of debris. He fell through a fragile roof light and landed in the scraper of a tractor that was parked below.

Mr Kirby was unable to return to work for six months after suffering head injuries, broken ribs, a broken collar bone and a chip to the spine.

Health and safety investigation

The Health and Safety Executive investigated the incident and found that no risk assessment had been carried out for the work in question. Mr Kirby had not been provided with information or instruction on the possible risks of working at height, furthermore he had not undergone specific training in order to carry out work at height.

Sentencing and fines

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Mr Phillip Posnett, of Haughton Hall, Hall Lane, Haughton, Tarporley was fined £16,000. Mr Posnett was also ordered to pay costs of £3,330.80.

HSE inspector Jane Carroll said after the hearing:

“Falls through fragile roofs are a well-documented hazard when undertaking roof work of any type. This case highlights how a failure to risk assess a job properly and identify the presence of a fragile roof can lead to serious personal injury for workers.”

Accident at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have an accident at work claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Roofing Firm Fined after Worker Fractures Skull

Posted on May 26, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A roofing firm has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an incident in which a worker fell from height, fracturing his skull.

Incident

Existing roof lights at Monk Bridge Construction Co Ltd. were being replaced by Mitchell Roofing Ltd, when a worker slipped and fell around seven meters through the sheet of the inner roof. He suffered severe head injuries.

HSE Investigation

An investigation by the HSE found that there no risk assessment had been carried out for the worried in question. Furthermore, the HSE found that no provisions had been put in place to prevent falls from the roof.

York Magistrates Court heard how, previously, the roofing firm had undertaken similar work without incident.

Sentencing & Fines

Mitchell Roofing Ltd of Derwent Road, Malton was found guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined a total of £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,355.

HSE inspector Julian Franklin said after the hearing:

“Basic precautions for roof work and better planning of the job should have been applied. Even short duration work on fragile roofs should be properly assessed and managed.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Royal Mail Fined after Worker’s Foot is Ran Over

Posted on May 25, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

Royal Mail has been prosecuted and fined £50,000 following an incident in which an employee’s foot was ran over by a reach truck.

Inicident

On 7 March 2014 at the Royal Mail Group Limited (RMG) bundling centre in Rochester, an employee operating a reach truck accidently ran over another worker as he stepped out into an aisle.

Medway Magistrates’ Court heard that the injured worker was not wearing safety boots with steel toe caps as required. As a result, he suffered broken bones and bruising to his foot.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found that transport within the workplace had not been managed in a way that ensured the safety of both vehicle operators and pedestrian workers. Furthermore, HSE found that if RMG had an improved system in place, the incident could have been avoided.

After pleading guilty to breaching Regulations 17(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Royal Mail Group Limited, of Victoria Embankment, London was fined a total of £50,000. The company were also ordered to pay costs of £10,406.

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

11 Children Bitten by Dog

Posted on May 24, 2016 by - Children's Accidents, Dog Bite

Dog bites 11 children on park

11 children have been bitten by a Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog in Blyth, Northumberland. The incident occurred on May 18th at around 18:30PM. Three of the children spent the night in hospital, and one child – a seven year old girl – is expected to require skin grafts.

The dog was restrained by Adam Mulvey, father of one of the girls attacked by the dog. Mr Mulvey was able to use a cardigan to tie the dog to a fence.

Mr Mulvey said:

“I got a knock on the door from a little girl telling us that there
were several children trapped in the park with the dog,
and one of them was my little girl.”

“I could see her from the house and everyone else
screaming, howling, it was just horrific.”

“I’m a dog lover and it killed me to sit on it and hold its face to the
ground. But it was a powerful dog – not a nice thing to happen.”

Fiona Richards, a local resident whose daughter was bitten on the thigh during the attack, commented:

“The dog was running around super fast biting every kid in there,
I saw it grab a little one by the shoulder. It was bedlam.”

Neil Wilkson, also a local resident, said:

“There were about 30 kids in there and the dog just arrived from nowhere.
“I got in and started lifting them up and out of the park. As I was
doing it the dog leapt up and bit my son on the arm.”

Police arrested a 37 year old woman on suspicion of owning a dangerously out of control dog. Two further people who were helping the police with their investigation have been released on bail.

Dog bite claim – expert advice

If you have been injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to maximum personal injury compensation. Hampson Hughes Solicitors specialises in securing personal injury compensation in claims involving dangerously out of control dogs. For further information, and to discover how we could help you, speak to our expert team of personal injury solicitors today.
Call 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source:
bbc.co.uk

Restaurant Owner Jailed for Gross Negligence Manslaughter

Posted on May 24, 2016 by - Latest Blogs

The owner of a North Yorkshire based Indian restaurant has been jailed for six years following the death of a customer with a peanut allergy, after they were served a curry containing the nut.

In January 2014, 38 year old Paul Wilson ordered a tikka masala at the Indian Garden, Easingwold, North Yorkshire. He stressed to the staff that he was allergic to peanuts and asked that they ensure there was no trace of the nut in his takeaway meal.

Mr Wilson was found dead in his bathroom after suffering a severe anaphylactic shock.

Investigation

Teesside Crown Court heard that following Mr Wilson’s death, an investigation of the Indian Garden was launched by police and trading standards. They found that groundnut powder stored in the kitchen had contaminated other ingredients. Furthermore, a secret shopper visited the restaurant the day after Mr Wilson died and was assured by staff that he could order a nut-free curry.

Manslaughter by gross negligence

This week, the restaurant’s owner, Mohammed Zaman, was convicted for gross negligence manslaughter at Teesside Crown Court. The court heard how in a bid to cut costs and despite warnings, Mr Zaman swapped almond powder used in recipes for cheaper groundnut mix, which contains peanuts.

Mr Zaman was accused of manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice and six food safety offences. He denied all charges, claiming that he left managers to run his restaurants, including ordering stock and hiring staff. He was not on the premises when the curry was sold. However, Mr Zaman was found guilty of all charges except perverting the course of justice.

Previous incident

Three weeks prior to Mr Wilson’s death, at another of Mr Zaman’s six restaurants, a teenager suffered an allergic reaction after being assured by staff that her meal would not contain nuts. The young lady had to be hospitalised due to her symptoms.

‘Reckless attitude’

Richard Wright QC, prosecuting, said:

“Mohammed Zaman received numerous warnings that he was putting his customers’ health, and potentially their lives, at risk. Tragically for Paul Wilson, Mohammed Zaman took none of those opportunities and ignored all of the warnings he was given.

“His was a reckless and cavalier attitude to risk and one that we, the prosecution, would describe as grossly negligent.”

Mr Wright added:

“Time and again he ignored the danger and did not protect his customers. The evidence will establish that Mohammed Zaman put profit before safety and that he cut corners at every turn.”

Source: The Guardian

Balfour Beatty Fined £2.6 Million after Death of Worker

Posted on May 20, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A leading international infrastructure firm has been handed a £2.6 million fine after an employee was killed when a trench collapsed on him.

Sub-contractor James Sim was working on behalf of Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Limited when the incident occurred on 14 April 2010 in Lancashire. The 32 year old from Barry, South Wales, was laying the ducting for a cable in a 2.4 meter deep trench, without any shoring. The trench collapsed, trapping Mr Sim and he was killed.

Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Limited recently pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

After the hearing, Chris Hatton, an inspector for HSE said:

“The level of this fine should serve as a warning to industry not to ignore health and safety matters.

“Balfour Beatty failed to adequately assess, plan and supervise the work being undertaken. Trench collapses are easy to prevent, and it is disappointing that James’ life was lost in such a tragic way.

“The family has shown great patience and support throughout this investigation which is a credit to both them and James’ memory.”

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Regulation 31(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Limited, of Park Square Newton, Chambers Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield was fined £2.6 million. The company was also ordered to wear £54,000.

Injury At Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Firm Fined after Two Workers are Seriously Injured

Posted on May 20, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A company responsible for the manufacture of vehicle bodies has been fined following an incident in which two workers were seriously injured.

Incident

On 12 January 2015, a third worker was attempting to move a vehicle weighing 18 tonnes when the other two employees became trapped between the moving vehicle and two stationary vehicles. One worker suffered severe crush injuries to his legs while the other worker suffered internal bladder and kidney injuries, as well as fractures to his ribs and pelvis. Another employee involved in the incident managed to move out of the way & did not sustain any injuries.

Investigation & fines

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive, it was found that the company had not identified or assessed transport risks within the workplace. Furthermore, it was found that the company had failed to put safe systems of work and protective measures in place, as well as failing to ensure employee pedestrian safety whilst vehicles were in motion.

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Commercial Body Specialists Limited, of High Street, Tunstall, Stoke on Trent was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,461.

Injury at work – expert advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Two Companies Fined after Worker Loses Fingers & Thumb

Posted on May 17, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

Two firms have been fined after a farm manager lost all four fingers and the thumb on his left hand when it became trapped in a machine.

Incident

Norwich Magistrate’s Court heard how on 13th February 2014, the farm manager was operating a machine that processes firewood. The machine consisted of a conveyor, a circular saw and a log splitter. Whilst splitting a log, the worker’s left hand became trapped between the splitting wedge and the log itself, and his fingers and thumb were severed.

HSE Investigation

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident, it was found that the recently supplied machinery did not meet British standards and so was not safe to use.

As a result, both the supplier and the manufacturer of the machine were prosecuted.

Fines

The supplier, Rytec Industrial Equipment Limited, of Town Green Lane, Settrington, Malton, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 6(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined a total of £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,441.

Whist the machine’s manufacturer, Metal Agricola S.R.L, of Via Michelini, Levaldigi, Italy, also pleaded guilty to breaching section 6(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was also fined a total of £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,099.

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Construction Company Fined after Worker is Injured

Posted on May 16, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A construction firm based in Cambridge has been prosecuted following an incident in which a worker was injured by a skip loader.

On 4 February 2015, a worker for Mead Construction (Cambridge) Limited was driving a skip loader during the implementation of a sewer connection at a domestic property, when the skip over turned and crushed his leg. The worker suffered sprained ligaments and multiple fractures to his right ankle.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there had been multiple failures on the company’s part, including allowing an untrained worker to use the skip loader. The worker was also not wearing a seatbelt.

After pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 13(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, and Regulation 9(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Mead Construction (Cambridge) Limited, of Heath Road, Swaffham Prior, Cambridgeshire was fined £40,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £5,787.

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Company Fined £100,000 after Worker is Seriously Injured

Posted on May 13, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A cargo handling company based in Suffolk has been fined £100,000 following an incident in which an employee suffered life changing injuries.

On 15th August 2014, an employee of Extreme Handling Limited (EHL) was assisting a fork lift truck operator at GMA Warehousing and Transport Limited’s Felixstowe site. The pair were moving a one tonne sheet of marble when it fell on the worker from EHL. He suffered a fractured sternum, serious abrasions to the back of his head as well as extensive and severe crush injuries to both of his legs.

The Health and Safety Executive investigated the incident and found that the method used to move the load was unsafe practice.

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, GMA Warehousing and Transport Limited, of Central Avenue, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich, Suffolk was fined £100,000 and ordered to pay costs totalling £9938.38.

HSE inspector Jessica Churchyard said after the hearing:

“Employers have an absolute duty to ensure that they do everything reasonably practicable to ensure the health and safety of their employees.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive