Month: October 2016

Worker Seriously Injured in Mobile Platform Fall

Image of a worker stood on a blue mobile elevating platform

A waste equipment maintenance firm in Buckinghamshire has been fined after a worker suffered serious head injuries when a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) overturned.

Incident

At the time of the incident on 19th January 2015, Geoffrey Hatton, 49, from County Durham, was in the process of deconstructing a compactor at a site in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

A Court heard that Mr Hatton, who was in the MEWP, and a colleague, were dismantling large pieces of cladding from the frame of a compactor. The machine toppled over when a large piece of the cladding came into contact with the MEWP.

Injuries

Mr Hatton fractured his skull and two ribs in the incident and spent two months in hospital.

Investigation

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) carried out an investigation finding serious safety failings by Cole Mechanical Services Ltd. The MEWP in question was only suitable for internal work, however at the time of the incident it was being used outside.

The employees at the firm were not trained in how to use MEWPS or how to safely erect tower scaffolding and no risk assessment had been conducted for the work being carried out. Furthermore it was found that during the time of the incident another worker was working on a fragile roof with no protection to prevent falls.

Sentencing

Cole Mechanical Services Ltd of Ashbridge Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2(1)of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,995.

Accidents at work – expert advice

Accident at work compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that was not your fault. Your accident at work compensation claim could also include any instance of illness linked to your past or present working conditions. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents at Work’ page.

To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Worker Injured after Being Struck by Concrete Skip

Image of debris in a yellow skip

A worker was struck by a concrete skip at a construction site in South London, leading to the site manager and a self-employed worker being fined for safety failings.

Incident & Injuries

27-year-old Ryan Musgrave told Woolwich Crown Court how he suffered a badly broken left leg, as well as fractures to his right ankle and several ribs during the incident at the Harris Academy in Welling, on 23rd February 2012.

The court heard how a 215kg empty concrete skip detached from an excavator, falling onto Mr Musgrave and leaving him to be unable to work for 17 months.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the incident and found there was no thorough examination certificate for the shackle on the excavator. The HSE investigation also found the shackle was faulty.

Sentencing

Site manager Christopher Crowley, of Dominion Drive, Collier Row in London was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,500, after admitting breaching Regulation 9(1)( a) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

Michael Kernan, the self-employed construction worker of CYC Coastal Club was fined £1,500 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000, after breaching Regulation 8(1) (c) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

Speaking after the case HSE inspector Melvyn Stancliffe said:

“Mr Crowley should have taken the shackle on the excavator out of use when he inspected it two days before the incident as he had not seen a thorough examination report for it.

“The law is clear that lifting accessories must not be used unless they have been thoroughly examined in the previous six months and that there is a report available to prove that.

“Mr Kernan, an experienced construction worker, accepted that he did not fully screw in the pin on the shackle as he should have done and as a result it failed.

“Lifting accessories are not complex items but if they are not used properly or are not thoroughly examined periodically then the consequences can be serious. The practice known as ‘backing off’, unwinding the pin by a quarter of a turn, is not safe and shouldn’t be used.

“This case highlights the importance of ensuring simple checks are carried out properly and that equipment is used correctly”.

Accidents at work – expert advice

Accident at work compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that was not your fault. Your accident at work compensation claim could also include any instance of illness linked to your past or present working conditions. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents at Work’ page.

To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Woman Cut Free following Head on Collision

Image of emergency services attending the scene of a road traffic accident at night

A woman has had to be cut free following a head on collision involving two cars earlier this week.

The head on collision took place on a country lane in Woodborough, Nottinghamshire just after 5.30pm on Monday evening.

Emergency services were called following reports that one of the drivers involved was trapped in her car. Fire crews attended the scene and heavy cutting equipment was required in order to free the woman from the vehicle after the road accident.

The drivers of both cars were taken to hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.

A spokeswoman for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said:

“We were called at 6.01pm to a road traffic collision in Lingwood Lane, Woodborough.

“This was two cars in collision, with one female trapped. She was extricated by the service and taken to hospital by East Midlands Ambulance Service.”

Begin your road accident claim

If you have been injured in a road accident that was not your fault, contact our dedicated team of personal injury solicitors today. Remember, we could help you to claim maximum personal injury compensation whether you were injured as the driver, a passenger, a cyclist, or as a pedestrian. More information can also be found via our ‘Road Traffic Accident’ page.

To begin your road accident claim, contact us today for your FREE no-obligation consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Nottingham Post

Yorkshire Council Fined for Accident at Work

Image of a man wearing a yellow hard hat climbing up a red ladder

East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) has been fined following an accident at work incident in which an employee was injured when he fell from a ladder.

Incident

On the day of the incident the employee in question was re-felting a porch roof. As he descended from the roof via a ladder he fell 2.4 meters to the ground below. The worker suffered two broken vertebrae during the incident on 23 April 2015.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the incident and found that the ladder was not tied and that there was no protection in place to stop individuals falling from the porch roof.

HSE inspectors also found that the work had not been risk assessed and workers for ERYC were left to make decisions regarding safety and equipment themselves.

Sentencing

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, East Riding of Yorkshire Council of County Hall, Beverley, Hull was fined a total of £40,000. The council was also ordered to pay costs of £664.

Accidents at work – expert advice

Accident at work compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that was not your fault. Your accident at work compensation claim could also include any instance of illness linked to your past or present working conditions. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents at Work’ page.

To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Man Suffers Minor Injuries after Tractor Overturns

Image of a man driving a red tractor along a country lane

A man has walked away from a serious road traffic accident with just minor hand injuries.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 7.30am on Monday morning after a tractor overturned and rolled onto a car on the A10 in Hilgay, Norfolk.

Fire crews were required to free the driver of the car, who was later taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. The driver of the tractor was unhurt.

Begin your road accident claim

If you have been injured in a road accident that was not your fault, contact our dedicated team of personal injury solicitors today. Remember, we could help you to claim maximum personal injury compensation whether you were injured as the driver, a passenger, a cyclist, or as a pedestrian. More information can also be found via our ‘Road Traffic Accident’ page.

To begin your road accident claim, contact us today for your FREE no-obligation consultation. Call 0800 888 6888 or email .

Source: ITV News

Bicycle Accident: Cyclist Dies after Collision with Lorry

Image of London skyline including Tower Bridge

A female cyclist was killed in a bicycle accident, when she collided with a lorry on her way to work earlier this week.

Lucia Ciccioli was hit just before 8am on Monday 24th October as she rode through rush-hour traffic in London.

Medical teams, including London’s air ambulance, attended the scene but nothing could be done for the victim.

One witness said he saw police officers from a nearby station rush to Miss Ciccoli’s aid. They added that the scene was “too traumatic” to describe.

The lorry driver involved in the collision stopped after the crash and was not arrested by police.

Information released by the construction logistics and cyclists safety network noted that the lorry was travelling west towards Wandsworth. It was not making a turn at the time of the accident.

Miss Ciccioli’s father said their family has been destroyed by the incident:

“We are destroyed. We still cannot comprehend what has happened, we don’t believe it.”

The 32 year old waitress is the seventh person to die whilst cycling in London this year.

Bicycle accident claims – expert advice

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to maximum personal injury compensation. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to help you to secure private medical care as part of your bicycle accident claim.

To begin your claim, contact us today for your FREE no-obligation consultation. Call 0800 888 6888 or email .

Source: The Guardian

£3,510 for Passenger Involved in Motorway Crash

Image of cars driving along UK motorway at sunset

Our dedicated personal injury lawyers have helped to secure compensation for a passenger involved in a non-fault road traffic accident.

The accident occurred when the defendant, who failed to maintain safe and proper control of their vehicle, swerved into another lane on the motorway.

This resulted in a collision with another vehicle, which our client, Chelsea Toft, was a passenger in.

Impact occurred at around 60mph, causing physical injuries and major travel anxiety for Miss Toft.

As a result of this we managed to secure £3,510 in damages for Miss Toft on this occasion.

As well as the securing the above compensation for Miss Toft, we arranged cognitive behavioural therapy to help manage her psychological injuries.

Miss Toft said:

“Thank you! My accident took a toll on me psychologically and Hampson Hughes Solicitors ensured I got the right care and support.”

Begin your road traffic accident claim today

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, contact our dedicated team of road accident solicitors today. Remember, we could help you to claim maximum personal injury compensation whether you were injured as the driver, a passenger, a cyclist, or as a pedestrian. More information can also be found via our ‘Road Traffic Accident‘ page.

To begin your road traffic accident claim, contact us today for your FREE no-obligation consultation.
Call 0800 888 6888 or email .

Metal Company Fined after Worker Loses Foot

Image of round steel bars isolated on white background

A metal company based in Bedfordshire has been fined following an accident at work incident in which an employee lost his foot.

Incident

Luke Simpson, an agency worker for Smiths Metal Centres Limited, suffered severe injuries to his leg when a trolley carrying a bundle of 18 stainless steel bars, weighing about 900kg, fell onto his legs.

At the time of the incident, Mr Simpson and a colleague were moving the four wheeled trolley when it tipped over. The metal stock fell from the top of the trolley and landed on Mr Simpson, trapping his leg and foot. An ambulance was called to the scene and he was taken to hospital.

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard that the metal trolleys had been used on site for around 20 years without an incident occurring.

During the incident Mr Simpson broke his right leg and his right foot was severely crushed. The 24 year old underwent numerous surgeries following the incident, but unfortunately his foot could not be saved and required amputation. He now has a prosthetic foot and after being unable to work for a number of months, he now can only work on a part time basis.

HSE Investigation

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Smiths had originally bought the trolleys to be used as work stations; however staff had taken it upon themselves to use them to move metal stock.

Inspectors found that there was no written system of work in place for the trolleys at the time of the incident.
Furthermore, during the HSE investigation it was found that the trolley in question had faulty wheels – there was no record of any maintenance being carried out on any of the trolleys.

After the accident the trolley was given a safe working load of 500kg, over half the weight of the load on the trolley at the time of the incident.

Sentencing

After pleading guilty to Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Smiths Metal Centres Limited of Stratton Business Park, Bedfordshire was fined £130,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £2,456.40 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Emma Page said:

“Luke’s life has been drastically altered by what happened and this incident could have been very easily avoided with some very simple measures. The right equipment and a correct maintenance system would have prevented this from happening.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have suffered an injury at work you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Health & Safety Executive

£4,500 Secured for Holiday Illness in Egypt

Image of boats sailing on the river Nile Egypt

We were recently instructed by two clients who contracted infective gastroenteritis, a type of holiday illness, whilst on holiday in Egypt.

Our clients booked a 10 night stay at the Jaz Mirabel Park Hotel in Egypt. The trip was booked an all-inclusive package deal with tour operator Thomson.

However, just a few days into their holiday, our clients began to suffer with stomach cramps, headaches, temperature and fatigue. They aver that their illness was caused by the poor food and hygiene standards in their hotel, particularly in relation to the food served.

Our clients report: Food was under-cooked in the hotel restaurant and was not served at the right temperature; food appeared reheated and was left out for long periods of time; staff members did not wear gloves when handling the food.

According to the claimants, cutlery and crockery appeared dirty and the food available was generally of a poor standard.

Our clients also claim that their room was not cleaned on a regular basis.

Our expert Travel Law team managed to secure a total of £4,500 compensation for our clients.

Following the successful outcome our clients said:

“Class service from start to finish and a positive result.”

“Thank you to all at Hampson Hughes Solicitors.”

Holiday sickness claims – expert advice

If you believe that your holiday illness symptoms are linked to poor hygiene standards within your package deal hotel, you may be entitled to holiday illness compensation. There are certain steps that you could take in support of your claim:

•Note all important dates
•Report any hygiene issues to your holiday rep
•Document any suspected poor hygiene (e.g. photo, video)

For further information on holiday sickness compensation, please see our Package Holiday Claims page.

To discover how much compensation you could be entitled to, call our expert team of travel law solicitors today for instant answers. Whatever your experience with holiday sickness, we may be able to help. We offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Damages Awarded after Non-Fault Collision with Car Door

Image of a man's hand opening a car door

Our road traffic accident team have helped to secure compensation for a client who suffered whiplash injuries following a non-fault collision.

Non-fault collision

The non-fault collision occurred when the defendant opened their car door into the path of the claimants vehicle.

Our client, who was unable to avoid the oncoming hazard, suffered whiplash injuries to her neck from the impact, which lasted for two months.

Successful outcome

Following the accident our client received £1,350 damages.

Tha Claimant said:

“I would absolutely recommend Hampson Hughes Solicitors. The service I received was excellent and very quick. The team kept me fully informed and answered any queries I had in a straight forward manner.

“Should I ever be in the unfortunate position to require these services again I would not hesitate to contact them. I would also recommend them to my family and friends with complete confidence. Thank you for your help!”

Begin your road traffic accident claim

If you have been injured following a non-fault collision, contact our dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors today. Remember, we could help you to claim maximum personal injury compensation whether you were injured as the driver, a passenger, a cyclist, or as a pedestrian. More information can also be found via our Road Traffic Accident page.

To begin your road traffic accident claim, contact us today for your FREE no-obligation consultation.
Call 0800 888 6888 or email .