A Steel firm has been prosecuted for serious health and safety breaches after two workmen sustained major injuries in an industrial accident on 20th April 2009 at the Workington premises of steel maker Tata Steel UK Ltd. (formerly Corus). The 2 maintenance fitters who were both in their 50's were given the task of repairing a steel roller shutter door after it had become jammed following being damaged by a forklift truck. As they attempted the repair they first removed nuts from the supporting pillar but it detached and the 0.3 tonne warehouse door collapsed on them breaking their legs.
A Health and Safety Executive Investigation found that the firm had breached health and safety regulations by failing to ensure appropriate risk assessment and health and safety audits carried out. This negligence had put the lives of its staff in danger.
HSE Inspector Mike Griffiths commented “These two workers have suffered major injuries, with long term effects to their lives, because their employer didn’t do enough to make sure they stayed safe. One of the workers could potentially have been killed if he hadn’t been wearing a hard hat. Despite this, he still suffered a severe cut to his head and several other serious injuries”
Mr Griffiths concluded “The work could have been carried out safely by removing the guide for the slats on the roller shutter door so that it could be wound up. However, it wasn’t planned properly in advance due to the company’s procedures,”
Tata Steel UK Ltd of Millbank, London, were fined £13,300 and told to pay prosecution costs amounting to £11,631 after admitting to breaching the 1974 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.
If you have been injured in an accident at work call us today on 0800 612 7445 for free and confidential help and advice or complete our online claim form.