A company based in Hereford has been fined £190,000 by the Lincoln Magistrates’ Court after a serious accident resulted in an employee falling into a pit.
The worker was employed by Wyman-Gordon Limited, a firm that produces forgings for the aerospace industry.
While changing an oil seal on a counterblow hammer, a lifting sling containing a 169kg load broke, causing the load to fall and break the board the worker was standing on, which led to him falling into the pit. The man sustained deep cuts to his head, requiring eight stitches.
The worker’s victim impact statement reveals how the incident has affected him. He went on sick leave for three weeks and since returning to work, has felt more anxious when carrying out high-risk work.
He has also experienced problems with his back, which has made it difficult for him to get up in the morning. Additionally, he has been experiencing frequent headaches.
What did the Health and Safety Executive find?
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Wyman-Gordon Limited had failed to ensure the health, safety, and welfare at work of its employees during the ram seal replacement.
The company did not have a safe system of work that properly addressed work at height and lifting operations.
The HSE recommends that employers devise safe methods of working to address risks and prevent injuries, such as the one sustained by the employee, which could have been prevented if a safe system of work had been in place.
Wyman-Gordon Limited pleaded guilty and was fined £190,000 and ordered to pay £35,000 in costs.
All employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of workers and visitors within their business. If you have recently reviewed your health and safety policies, it is imperative that you do so and conduct the necessary risk assessments.
If you need help reviewing your existing policies or are taken to tribunal due to the failure of your health and safety processes, please contact us.