As the 31st of October draws near, and the zombies start to wake in their coffins, we’ve decided to compile some of the most horrifying health and safety accidents this year.
Knowledge is power. So being aware and understanding the consequences of neglecting safety protocols helps us evaluate our health and safety policies and allows us to take steps to prevent similar mistakes.
1# Worker falling from height
A construction worker died when he fell 1.8 metres through an unguarded opening in a scaffold when working on a property.
The HSE found that the principal contractor for the project had failed to appoint a person with the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to manage the site. Access to and from the first lift working platform was unsafe as multiple openings had been made which existed for several weeks.
Amberley Homes Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. They were also fined £25,000 and ordered to pay £83,842.34.
2# Worker struck by a moving vehicle
A recycling company was fined 1.2 million after a worker was injured after being struck by a wagon.
The HSE investigation found that the site was not organised so that pedestrians and vehicles could circulate safely. Furthermore, the company hadn’t taken adequate steps to assess the risks. They concluded this accident could have been prevented by implementing control measures such as physical barriers and crossing points.
Booth Limited Clarance Metal Works pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 of the Health and Safety Act 1974 and was fined 1.2million and ordered to pay £5,694.85.
3# Workers exposed to asbestos
A company and its director have been sentenced after workers were exposed to asbestos.
An inspection by the HSE found significant amounts of asbestos-containing materials scattered around the site. Upon speaking to employees, they found that 70% was demolished by hand and machinery.
Eye Track Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Additionally, they were fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £ 18,783.61. At the same hearing, the director received a custodial sentence of 20 weeks, fined £75,000 and ordered to pay costs of £18,783.61.
4# Worker exposed to chemicals
A company was fined £67,000 after an employee lost his life due to uncontrolled exposure to dichloromethane and hydrofluoric acid.
The HSE had found that Electrostatic Magic Limited had failed to control exposure to the chemicals. Implementing ventilation, correct tools and PPE would have avoided this deadly outcome.
Electrostatic Magic Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 7 (1) of the Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and Article 67 of the REACH regulation. The company was fined £67,99 and ordered to pay £7,231 in costs.
We hope we haven’t made you feel queasy, but health and safety horrors can happen at any time, in any industry, in any workplace.
Don’t wait for an accident to happen, be proactive and ensure your procedures are up to date, compliant and most importantly, keeping your employees safe.
Need help with your health and safety? Let us know and let’s see how we can help.
