Tag: workplace injury

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 .

Two Men Injured in Accident at Work at Stansted Airport

Posted on March 17, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

An aircraft engineering company based at Stansted Airport has been fined by the HSE after two men were injured in an accident at work.

Accident at work

Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard how an agency worker and an employee of Inflite Engineering Services were carrying out checks at the tail of an aeroplane on 10 June 2015. The men were working on either side of the tail using mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) at the time of the accident at work incident.

The court heard how third employee closed the wrong circuit breaker, which opened the plane’s air-brake and knocked over the two MEWPs.

Injuries

Both the agency worker and the Inflite employee fell around 10-15 feet to the ground below. One man, 62, suffered a broken back, three fractures to his pelvis, a punctured lung and a fractured elbow. The second man, 60, suffered a chipped bone on his spine, as well as a broken wrist.

HSE Investigation

An investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that no adequate risk assessment was in place. Furthermore, HSE found there was a lack of suitable monitoring in place while the work was being carried out.

Sentencing

Almost two years later, Inflite Engineering Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The firm was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,492.90.

HSE Inspector Tania van Rixtel said after the hearing:

“Both of these men suffered shocking injuries after falling from height, which could easily have been a double fatality. Our investigation found the incident could have been avoided had adequate monitoring been taking place. Aircraft maintenance companies are reminded that not all risks are covered by the Aircraft Maintenance Manual and additional measures need to be introduced.”

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

Man Suffers Broken Pelvis in Accident at Work

Posted on March 15, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A construction company based in Bedfordshire has been fined £400,000 after a worker suffered a broken pelvis in an accident at work.

Accident at work incident

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how an employee of Kier Construction Limited (Kier) was carrying out work at a site in Uxbridge, Middlesex at the time of the incident. The worker, Jair Morales, was installing plywood boards over holes on the third floor of a building when he fell around 3.9 meters to the floor below. He suffered a fractured pelvis and broken arm during the accident at work incident. Mr Morales has been unable to work since.

HSE investiagtion

Health and Safety Executives’ investigation into the incident found that the firm did not ensure the work was carried out in a safe manner and that it hadn’t been properly planned. Furthermore, the court heard how Kier hadn’t taken any steps to prevent Mr Morales from falling through the opening as he installed the boards.

Sentencing and fines

Kier Construction Limited of Tempsford Hall, Bedfordshire pleaded guilty to breaching section 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The firm has been fined £400,000 and was ordered to pay costs of £1,534.

HSE inspector Owen Rowley said after the hearing:

“This incident could have been a lot worse. The system that Kier Construction Ltd has in place to control the risk from installing the protection for openings was not implemented on site, ultimately resulting in the accident.

“The risks of working at height are widely recognised throughout the construction industry. This case highlights the importance of ensuring that all work at height is properly planned and carried out safely.”

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