Health and Safety | Steel Company Fine for Avoidable Death
Worcestershire based Steel Company fined following ‘avoidable death’
A Worcestershire based steel manufacturer (‘the company’) has been fined £285,000 and ordered to pay costs of £29,961 following the death of an employee.
Worcester Crown Court heard that a 65 year old employee of the company was fatally crushed when a steel beam emerging from a machine pushed another beam into him and crushed him against a closed door.
The investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the machine in question, which had been in operation since 2013, did not have suitable safeguards to prevent the risk of crushing injuries.
The company was fined, having pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (‘the Act’).
Following the Hearing, HSE Inspector Tariq Khan said:
‘those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary safeguards, information, instruction and training to their workers. This was a tragic and wholly avoidable incident caused by the failure of the company to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment’
The Relevant Health and Safety Law | Kangs Regulatory Law Advisors
The Act is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive, with local and other enforcing authorities is responsible for enforcement.
Section 2 of the Act states:
‘It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.’
How We Can Help? | Kangs Health and Safety Solicitors
Kangs Solicitors have a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with all matters of health and safety law.
Our specialist lawyers are able to provide advice and assistance throughout the entire criminal process, from the initial intervention by the health and safety executive through to enforcement, interview under caution and ultimately the defence of any ensuing criminal prosecution.
Who Can I Contact For Help? | Kangs Solicitors
Please feel free to contact our team through any of the lawyers named below who will be happy to provide you with some initial advice and assistance.
Hamraj Kang
hkang@kangssolicitors.co.uk
07976 258 171 | 020 7936 6396 | 0121 449 9888
John Veale
jveale@kangssolicitors.co.uk
07779 055907 | 0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396
Tim Thompson
tthompson@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396 | 0771067 77 67
Steven Micklewright
smicklewright@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396
