Chemicals company fined after employee suffers serious burns in an explosion
A chemical and coatings manufacturer has received a six-figure fine after an employee was seriously injured at work.
On 4 August 2020, an employee was making paint at International Paint Limited’s premises in Gateshead, which involved the use of flammable liquids. As the employee was adding resin pellets from a bulk bag to a large mixing vessel, a spark was generated, igniting the flammable vapour and causing a large explosion. The employee was left with all-over body scarring, partial blindness to one eye, hearing damage and damage to a knee and shoulder.
An HSE investigation found that insufficient measures were put into place by the company including a failure to correctly use working extraction systems and a lack of effective electrical earthing.
Breach
International Paint Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974:
- Section 2(1) requires employers to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees.
Penalty
International Paint Limited was fined £800,000 and ordered to pay £14,032 in costs.
Building firm fined after worker falls through collapsed floor
A building company has been fined after a worker was injured when a floor that was under construction collapsed.
On 23 June 2021, a Lusson Ltd worker was one of three people on the incomplete first floor of a building being constructed in Croydon. Several pallets of blocks were lifted onto the incomplete concrete beam and block floor using a loader crane, causing the floor to collapse. The worker fell to the ground and suffered an open fracture to his left leg as well as a broken wrist.
An HSE investigation found that Lusson Ltd did not take any steps to prevent falls from height and they had failed to establish a safe system of work for this task.
Breach
Lusson Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015:
- Regulation 13(1) requires that the principal contractor plans, manages and monitors the construction phase and coordinate matters relating to health and safety during the construction phase to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, construction work is carried out without risks to health or safety.
Penalty
Lusson Ltd was fined £66,667 and ordered to pay £1,907 in costs.
Food company fined after worker has arm amputated
David Wood Baking Limited has been fined after an employee’s arm was amputated after becoming entangled in an industrial food mixer.
On 27 September 2021, the employee was removing filling ingredients from a paddle mixer when his right hand and arm were drawn in. The employee’s arm had to be surgically removed.
An HSE investigation found that the control measures in place to prevent contact with moving parts were ineffective as the guarding of the mixer was routinely not replaced after cleaning. The ‘interlocking’ system was also defeated which meant the mixer would still operate without the front guard in place.
Breach
David Wood Baking Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1)(b) of Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998:
- Regulation 11(1)(b) requires that employers ensure that measures are taken to stop the movement of any dangerous part of machinery or rotating stock bar before any part of a person enters a danger zone.
Penalty
David Wood Baking Limited was fined £858,000 and ordered to pay £8,000 in costs.
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