Tag: accident at work

Company and Director Fined for Accident at Work

Posted on May 22, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

Image of multiple hard hats in pigeon holes

A solar panel company and its director have been fined after a man was injured after falling from height in an accident at work.

Accident at work

Lewis Harding, 28, was fitting solar panels at a farm when the incident occurred on 19 May 2015. Taunton Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Harding was working on a fragile roof at Venn Farm, Cornwall, when he fell over three meters through a skylight.

Mr Harding broke his back in three places during the accident at work.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) investigation into the incident found that the company relied on the ineffective use of a harness when carrying out work at height. The investigation found a lack of safety precautions were in place to stop workers falling from height – no under roof netting, edge protection or boarding was in place.

Furthermore, the HSE investigation found that the failure in this case could be attributed directly to the neglectful actions of director Jon Antoniou. Work had been carried out in the same unsafe manner for months before and after the accident at work that occurred on 19 May 2015.

Sentencing and fines

Eco NRG Solutions Ltd of Polden Business Centre, Bristol Road, Bridgewater has pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 33 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined a total of £115,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,879.60.

Jon Luke Antoniou of Furze Close, Bridgewater pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 . He was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,957.40.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Sue Adsett said:

“The worker is lucky to have not sustained more life threatening injuries from what we found to be a serious breach of the law.

“This case highlights the importance of directors being vigilant and acting on their obligations.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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 and Safety Executive

Accident at Work | Building Contractor & Owner Fined

Posted on May 16, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A company owner and building contractor based in Manchester have been fined after a worker was seriously injured in an accident at work.

Accident at work

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how two men working for Access Flooring Specialist Ltd were using a demolition hammer to knock down a freestanding concrete block wall at the site of a refurbishment project at Manchester One, Portland Street, Manchester.

One of the operatives was cutting into the wall just above the half way point when the second worker took over, using a step ladder for access. As the second man took over, the top half of the wall collapsed, knocking him from the ladder before landing on top of him.

Workplace injuries

The 53-year-old father of two from Salford suffered fractures to his neck and back and spent three months in hospital following the accident at work. He has not been able return to work since the incident on 29 August 2014.

Health and Safety Investigation

An investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that workers had not been provided with instructions for carrying out the work in a safe manner. It was also found that there had been no supervision or checks during the injured worker’s training and he had not been given a site induction, nor was the work supervised.

Furthermore, the HSE investigation found that there was no adequate risk assessment in place for the work being carried out.

Sentencing and fines

Workspace Design and Build Ltd of Manchester One, Portland Street, Manchester pleaded guilty to breach of Regulation 22(1)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. The company was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,972.

Paul Harrison of Kirkfell Drive, Tyldsley, Manchester pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 relating to his companies’ breach of Regulation 13 (2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. The former director of Access Flooring Specialist Ltd was fined £13,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,851.

HSE Inspector Laura Moran said after the hearing:

“The risks associated with the demolition of the internal walls at Manchester One were not properly considered and, as a result, there was no safe system of work in place for the operatives to follow.

“Together with a lack of adequate supervision, these failings resulted in one man suffering serious and life changing injuries, which could have been prevented had the work been properly planned and managed.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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 Serious Crush Injuries in Accident at Work

Posted on May 16, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A steel manufacturing company based in Cardiff has been prosecuted after a worker suffered crush injuries to his hand in an accident at work.

Accident at work incident

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how the accident at work took place on 23 October 2015. An employee of Rom Ltd was removing leftover steel from a machine used for straightening steel wire, called the Koch Straightener.

The worker trapped his hand between the rotating rollers inside the machine, suffering serious crush injuries to his right hand. He also severed the tip of his right index finger during the accident at work.

Health and safety investigation

The Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into the accident at work incident and found that Rom Ltd failed to recognise the risks involved with workers manually operating the Kick Straightener. It was also found that steps hadn’t been taken to ensure the machine was appropriately guarded.

Furthermore, it was found that the company failed to provide an adequate level of supervision for the activity, resulting in the worker suffering the workplace injury.

Sentencing and fines

Rom Ltd of Castle Works, East Moors Road, Cardiff today pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company has been fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £17,200.63.

HSE inspector David Keane said after the hearing:

“This man suffered a life-changing injury. The company failed to protect the worker from harm by not properly considering the risks associated with manually operating dangerous machinery such as this.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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

Accident at Work | Bakery Fined for Two Incidents

Posted on May 9, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A bakery based in Penrith has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for two separate accident at work incidents.

First incident

The first accident at work incident occurred on 26 January 2016. Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard how an employee of Bells of Lazonby Limited caught his right hand in the moving blade of a dough dividing machine, severing the top of his middle finger.

Second incident

The second accident at work took place just a few months later on 29 March 2016. In this incident, an employee was injured when their left index finger came into contact with the cutting jaws of a wrapping machine.

HSE investigation

An investigation into both accident at work incidents found that the organisation had not equipped the machinery with suitable guarding, guarding which would have prevented such injuries.

Sentencing and fines

Bells of Lazonby Limited of Edenholme Bakery, Penrith have pleaded guilty to breaching two charges of Regulation 11, of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The bakery was fined £40,000 for the first offence and £30,000 for the second offence. The firm was also ordered to pay costs of £7990.

HSE inspector Leona Cameron said after the hearing:

“This case demonstrates the importance of checking and assessing all dangerous equipment and machinery to prevent injuries to employees operating such machinery.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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 Crush Injuries in Accident at Work

Posted on April 25, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A Bedfordshire based company has been fined after a man suffered crush injuries in an accident at work.

Accident at work in Leighton Buzzard

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard how an employee of BS Trailer Services Ltd was arranging the movement of lorry trailers in the firm’s transport yard in Leighton Buzzard, on 15 September 2015.

A second employee was helping by driving a tractor unit; however the court heard that there was confusion over which trailer the driver of the tractor unit was to move first.

He moved the tractor unit to attach to the trailer his colleague was looking at, but could not see him due to a ‘blind-spot’. He reversed the tractor unit and trapped the other worker between this and the trailer.

The driver of the tractor unit heard the man’s shout and was able to stop the vehicle swiftly. The other worker sustained six broken ribs in the incident.

Health and Safety investigation

A Health and Safety investigation into the accident at work found that the yard was not organised in a way that allowed the safe movement of both pedestrians and traffic. Safe routes had not been identified and suitable measures had not been taken to avert danger.

Furthermore, the investigation into the accident at work found that three other firms utilised the yard, each with their own employees and visitors.

Sentencing and fines

BS Trailer Services Ltd of Kings Farm Industrial Estate, Great Billington, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire pleaded guilty to breaches of Regulation 3 (a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and Regulation 17 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

The company was fined a total of £25,000 and costs of £1,599.50.

HSE Inspector Robert Meardon said:

“A Traffic Management Plan agreed with the tenant businesses would have identified areas of segregation and measures for the separation of vehicles and people with barriers and clear signage. This had not been carried out and implemented.

“The injuries could easily have been fatal and I want to say to all companies that they need to consider and take measures to reduce the risk of people being injured by the movement of vehicles on their site; this is one of the most common causes of accidents. There are more than 5,000 accidents involving transport in the workplace every year, some of which are fatal.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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

61 Year Old Seriously Burned in Accident at Work

Posted on April 18, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A council contractor has been fined after an employee suffered major burns in an accident at work.

Accident at work – electric shock

Gloucester Crown Court heard how a 61 year old worker was carrying out the replacement of a traffic light pole when he came into contact with a live underground wire. The man was an employee of a company instructed by Amey – a UK based infrastructure support service provider – to carry out the work. He was immediately electrocuted and suffered serious burns to his hands, arms, stomach, face, leg and chest after the power of the electric current set him on fire.

HSE investigation

The Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into accident at work and found a number of safety failings by Amey. The court heard how Amey did not provide adequate information on the location of underground services in the area and that Amey had not properly managed the risks from these. Furthermore, the investigation found that Amey’s supervision of the work was inadequate.

Sentencing & fines

Amey LG Limited, of Edmund Halley Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 25 (4) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The firm was fined £600,000 and ordered to pay costs of £15,498 following the accident at work.

After the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Helena Tinton said:

“This man suffered life changing injuries as a result of this incident. He’s not been able to return to work, he still can’t use his hands properly and has been left both physically and mentally scarred by what happened. Had Amey given adequate information to the team working on site, and had Amey ensured the work was properly planned and supervised, this incident could have been avoided.

“This case should act as a reminder to local authorities and their contractors of the risks of working underground and the danger of severe electric shocks.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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 Falls Through Skylight in Accident at Work

Posted on April 4, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

Two companies have been fined following an accident at work incident in which a worker fell nine meters through a skylight.

Accident at work – fall from height

Coventry Magistrate’s Court heard how JDB Industrial Roofing Limited had subcontracted ACG Roofing Limited to complete re-cladding work on a fragile roof. The court heard that on the day of the accident at work incident, 15 December 2015, the worker in question fell 9 meters through a skylight to the concrete ground below. He suffered suffered life changing injuries, requiring surgery to install metal rods into his back.

When the worker fell, the harness he was wearing was not attached to anything and no guardrails were in place.

HSE Investigation

An investigation into the accident at work incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found multiple safety failings.

The HSE investigation determined that the principle contractors, JDB Industrial Roofing Limited, failed to put effective management systems in place to control the risks that could arise when working at height or on fragile roofing.

Sentencing & fines

JDB Industrial Roofing Limited of Brooklands Court, Kettering, Northamptonshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £112,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2216.68.

ACG Roofing Limited of High Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1721.78.

HSE inspector Edward Fryer said after the hearing:

“This incident could have been fatal; the worker has suffered life changing injuries due to the company failing to properly plan and supervise work at height.

“This case highlights the importance of proper planning, supervision and implementation of work at height especially on fragile roofing.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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

Employee Loses Two Fingers in Accident at Work

Posted on March 30, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A construction company in North Lincolnshire has been fined for safety failings after an accident at work left an employee with life changing injuries.

Accident at work

Nuneaton Magistrates Court heard how Coldmac Limited had been contracted to lay a footway in 2015. On 8 April, a worker for the firm was using a screwdriver to remove asphalt residue from a cement mixer he was using. The court heard how the screwdriver slipped and the employee caught his hand on the lip of the mixer.

Injuries

As a result of this accident at work, the worker in question lost his middle and index fingers.

HSE investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the accident at work incident and found that the guarding on the mixer was ‘below the safety standard required in order for people to safely operate the machinery’.

Sentencing & fines

Coldmac Limited of Midland Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire pleaded guilty of breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1995.92.

HSE inspector Luke Messenger said after the hearing:

“This case highlights the importance of safety checking equipment and machinery, ensuring that they have the appropriate guarding in place to avoid serious injuries like this.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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 Has Both Legs Amputated after Accident at Work

Posted on March 20, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A landfill company in Wales has been fined after an employee had to have both legs amputated following an accident at work.

Accident at work

In November 2015, a worker was walking across the Bryn Posteg Landfll site in Llanidloes, when he was struck by a large shovel loader. The worker suffered serious injuries to his legs, both of which had to be amputated at the mid-thigh. He was also required to spend a total of six months in hospital.

HSE investigation

The Health and Safety Executive ~(HSE) launched an investigation into the incident which found the company did not have measures in place to protect workers from traffic and vehicles on site. The risk had previously been identified, however it was not acted on.

Sentencing and fines

Sundorne Products (Llanidloes) Limited, part of the Potter Group, in Henfaes lane, Welshpool, Powys pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 and Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work (1974) Act. The company was were fined £180,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,657.10.

Mhairi Duffy, HSE inspector, said after the hearing:

“It is extremely important to identify how to protect your workers but you must back this up with action. This worker and his family lives have been changed forever because Sundorne Products Ltd failed to take action and protect their workers from being run over by vehicles on the site.

“All businesses that have high volumes of vehicles on their site can learn from this case.”

Accident at work – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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

Worker Seriously Burned in Accident at Work

Posted on March 20, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

The director of a construction firm has been jailed for safety failings after a young employee was injured in an accident at work.

Accident at work

Cardiff Crown Court heard how the worker had been instructed to stand on the top of a skip containing burning waste and pour flammable thinners into the waste to speed up the process.

The thinners ignited, causing a fireball – the force of which threw the worker across the room. He sustained substantial to his arms and legs.

HSE investigaton

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found a number of safety failings. Firstly, the company director did not ensure that the burning of the waste materials was carried out in a safe and appropriate manner. Secondly, after the incident occurred he failed to administer any first aid or send the young injured worker to hospital. Lastly, the director failed to immediately report the accident at work incident to the HSE, which is a legal requirement. The incident was instead reported by a third party sometime afterwards.

Sentencing

David Gordon Stead of Mildred Street, Beddau, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and also pled guilty to breaching Section 4 (1) of The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

He was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison, half on release under licence. Mr Stead has also been banned from being a company director for seven years.

HSE inspector Adele Davies said after the hearing:

“David Stead failed his employees. His actions could have resulted in the death of this worker. The young man suffered unnecessary life threatening injuries due to poor working standards.

“We hope this sentence sends out a message that directors of businesses must take their health and safety responsibilities seriously.”

Accident at work – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 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 .