A waste management company has been fined after an agency worker needed to have his leg amputated after being struck by a moving excavator on site.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that on 12 September 2017, the worker, who had been observing a tipping activity in the blind spot of the excavator, had his leg crushed by the machine which had reversed to accommodate another vehicle tipping off waste in an adjacent part of the site.
Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) , no evidence was found of any system whereby new agency hired staff were shown the site’s safety rules, meaning the injured worker was unaware he was to stand in the safe refuge areas whilst vehicles were moving around the site.
Peter Norris Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £140,000 and was ordered to pay full costs of £9,322.48.
Jeremy Sirrell a Partner at Palmers and Health and Safety expert said: “This case highlights the importance of having sufficient health and safety training in place. If you are concerned about your businesses’ safety procedures then it is important that you seek specialist advice at the earliest convenience”.
For help and advice on all aspects of health and safety law including putting in place strategies to protect your workforce, please contact us today.