Tag: accident at work claims

One Dead after Gas Leak at Carlsberg Brewery

Image of Carlberg brewery in Northampton UK

One man has died and another is in a serious condition after a gas leak at a Carlsberg brewery in Northampton.

Emergency services attended the scene at 12.30pm yesterday after reports of an industrial accident. A total of 22 people, including two police officers, nine firefighters and 11 factory staff have been admitted to hospital.

Northamptonshire police have said that the victim was in his 40s, while a 51 year old man is in a serious but stable condition. A police statement said:

“Other staff from Carlsberg and emergency service personnel remain at the hospital receiving treatment. Northamptonshire police are working with the health and safety executive to investigate the incident.”

Police added that the leak was confined to the site of the brewery only and there is thought to be no further risk to members of the public.

Julian Momen, chief executive officer of Carlsberg UK, said:

“We are deeply, deeply saddened by today’s tragic incident and subsequent fatality. Our immediate thoughts are with the individual’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time and we will support them in every way we can.

“Our further thoughts and support are with our colleagues and members of the emergency services who are being treated in hospital. One of our colleagues remains in a serious but stable condition. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of everyone working for us.

“We are working closely with the authorities to investigate how this tragic incident occurred and we will be in a position to say more once a full investigation has been concluded.”

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: Guardian

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

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

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

Concrete Company Fined for Accident at Work

Image of cement in a yellow concrete mixer relating to an accident at work incident

A concrete company in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, has been fined following an accident at work incident in which a worker suffered serious head injuries.

Incident

On the day of the incident, 23 December 2014, an employee of Stanton Bonna Concrete Limited was preparing to clean a concrete mixer. In order to carry out this task, workers would lie inside the mixer to clean the discharge chute door. The lid would be hoisted open and a steel prop then put in place to keep this open.

As the employee in question was lying inside the mixer, the wire rope used to hoist open the lid snapped, causing the lid to crush the worker’s head between the lid and the mixer itself.

The worker suffered a broken jaw during the incident, requiring metal screws to be inserted into his mouth to keep his jaw in position.

HSE Investigation

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was found that there was an inadequate risk assessment in place. Furthermore, inspectors found that the hoist and wire rope used had not been inspected or maintained.

Sentencing

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Stanton Bonna Concrete Limited, of Littlewell Lane, Stanton by Dale, Ilkeston, was fined £270,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £24,248.10.

HSE inspector Lindsay Bentley said:

“This incident was entirely preventable, had had Stanton Bonna Ltd fully assessed the risks associated with the task and maintained the wire rope. Furthermore, following the incident an alternative method of cleaning the mixer, which didn’t involve employees getting into it was adopted.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have suffered an injury at work 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

Star Wars Producers Fined £1.6 Million

Image of the Millennium Falcon spaceship from Star Wars films relating to an accident at work incident involving Harrison Ford

The makers of Star Wars: The Force Awakens have been sentenced following an accident at work incident in which Harrison Ford was seriously injured.

Incident

The actor sustained a broken leg and several deep lacerations when he was pinned to the floor of the Millennium Falcon set after a prop door closed on him. On 12 June 2014, during a dress rehearsal, Mr Ford pressed the prop door button to close the door. As it was not a full rehearsal, he did not expect it to close however the production crew member who was operating the prop believed they were and closed the door.

HSE Investigation

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that there was no automatic emergency cut off in place, instead those on set would rely on the reactions of prop operators to control the door.

It was found that a combination of events, all of which preventable, led to the incident – starting with the design of the door. The door was made up of a steel frame, overlaid with metal sheets and had a tapered edge. The door moved from ceiling to floor in a swift downwards motion and did not have any automated safety features in place to halt this motion if someone was underneath.

Aylesbury Crown Court heard how Foodles Production (UK) Ltd should have had a system in place to ensure the actors and production workers were protected on set. The risks of the door causing a serious injury or even death had previously been underlined by a health and safety officer for the production company.

The court heard that had the door been designed differently, with an automated safety feature in place, the incident would not have occurred.

Sentencing

After pleading guilty at a previous hearing to breaching Section 2 and Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Foodles Production (UK) Ltd were last week fined a total of £1.6 million. The production copany was also ordered to pay costs of £20,861.22.

HSE’s Divisional Director Tim Galloway said:

“This incident was foreseeable and preventable and could have resulted in more serious injury or even death.

“The power and speed of the door was such that, had Mr Ford or anyone else had been struck on the head by the door as it closed, they might easily have been killed.

“It was only the almost instantaneous actions of the prop operator in hitting the emergency stop that prevented the door from continuing to press down on Mr Ford as he lay on the floor.

“I think everyone would accept that all the people who work in the film industry have a right to know that the risks they take to entertain us, including when making action movies, are properly managed and controlled.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have suffered an injury at work 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

Kitchen Porter Receives £2,187 after Workplace Fall

Image of a kitchen porter washing dishes relating to an accident at work incident

Our experienced injury at work team has helped an employee secure compensation for a trip that happened at his place of work.

Incident

A kitchen porter was carrying out his usual duties when he slipped in a large pool of water.

The spillage was created by a broken water pipe, which was reported 6 months prior to the incident.

Injuries

Our client was knocked unconscious during the fall. He suffered head injuries and soft tissue damage to his back and elbow.

Successful outcome

The team at Hampson Hughes Solicitors have since helped our client recover £2,187 compensation for his injuries.

Injury at work – expert advice

If you have suffered an injury at work you could be entitled to personal injury compensation, take a look at our Accidents at Work page for more information.

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 .

Paper Mill Worker Left Disabled after Accident at Work

Image of pulp and paper at a papermill relating to an accident at work incident

A paper mill based in Halifax has been fined following an accident at work incident in which a worker suffered serious crush injuries to his hand.

An employee of Sonoco Cores & Paper Ltd was changing a couch roll on a board machine when it caught and severed his middle finger. The worker later required amputation of both of his index and ring fingers and is now registered as partly disabled.

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Sonoco Cores & Paper Ltd of Stainland, Halifa was fined £120,000.00. The company was also ordered to pay total costs of £6,354.00.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspector Jackie Ferguson said following the hearing:

“The company failed to provide a safe system of work for changing couch rolls on a board machine. Their risk assessment for this type of work was not suitable or sufficient, it had identified the hazard , yet it did not consider the likelihood or severity of the risk and did not identify appropriate measures to prevent an uncontrolled fall of the machine’s hinged steel arm”

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Accident 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.

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

Tesco Fined for Accident at Work Incident

Tesco logo - relating to an accident at work incident at a Tesco store in Wallasey

Supermarket chain Tesco has been fined following an accident at work incident in which a worker fell through a roof.

Incident

An employee of Tesco Maintenance Ltd was part of a team carrying out repairs to the roof and gutters of the Tesco Liscard Express store in Liscard Village, Wallasey. The employee in question fell 30 feet through a fragile skylight onto the trading area floor of the store, suffering minor injuries.

HSE Investigation

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that no risk assessment had been carried out prior to the work starting. Inspectors also found that Tesco Maintenance Ltd received no information regarding the fragility of the roof from Tesco Stores Ltd. Furthermore, HSE inspectors determined that the skylights should have been identified and necessary precautions taken, which were not.

Sentencing

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 10 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, Tesco Stores Ltd of Tesco House, Shire Park, Kestrel Way, Welwyn Garden City was fined £200,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £712.70.

Tesco Maintenance Ltd of Tesco House, Shire Park, Kestrel Way, Welwyn Garden City, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 9 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay costs of £624.60.

Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Chris Hatton said:

“Contractors should treat all roofs with care and check before starting any work if they are fragile. I am shocked at a company the size of Tesco failing to take even basic precautions to prevent injury to its employees and further, to risk injury to the public”

Accident 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.

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