Your Aid Area

A Black Country Management firm was recently found guilty of safety lapses after a worker was injured at the work place, narrowly escaping fatal injuries.

The case came up before the Walsall & Aldridge Magistrates Court that heard that in June 2009, a worker engaged in cleaning of a crushing machine at the Cemetery Road situated, Junction Works in Darlaston, fell from his platform as the guard rails gave way. He fell from a height of three meters and injured his spine. He also received cuts on his head, for which he undergo skin grafting.

The company pleaded guilty to the charges under Regulation 5 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and was ordered to pay £12,000 as fine and an additional £1,836 towards costs.

HSE Inspector, Gardabil Singh Tiwana, stated that the accident was a result of employer’s negligence in maintaining the safety measures at the work place. He also pointed out that the employee could have died, had he fallen into the crusher, while it was being operated.

According to Tiwana, it is not enough to put guard rails and other safety equipment in place. The employer has to ensure proper maintenance and repair of the equipments. This applies to the guards provided to the workers that should be not just appropriate for the purpose it is being used for but also properly maintained and a maintenance log kept.

Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to health and safety issues. The consultancy services from Workplace Law Training can assist companies in training staff to be aware of the proper health and safety procedures by identifying and improving upon awareness and attitude, and communication about safety to improve the health and safety culture within an organisation.

Comments Off