Health And Safety Fines Bulletin 18 March 2015

The fines and costs which may flow from a safety related incident can be significant, not to mention the reputational stigma which the company will suffer. We set out below examples of recent prosecutions which give a flavour of the sentences handed down following conviction. For further information on any of these cases please do not hesitate to contact Rhys Griffiths of our Corporate Risk Management Group.

Transport firm fined £500,000 after Hull worker crushed between two lorries

Injury:

Broken 13 bones in back, shoulders and ribs, and punctured a lung. The incident left the worker with severe head injuries and impaired vision.

Fine:

£500,000

Company:

TIP Europe Ltd

Legislation:

Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Costs:

£56,938

Source:

HSE, 17 March 2015

Company sentenced for Tower Bridge lift fall

Injury:

Four people sustained bone fractures

Fine:

£50,000

Company:

Temple Lifts Ltd

Legislation:

Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Costs:

£50,000

Source:

HSE, 6 March 2015

Produce company in court after reversing forklifts injure workers

Injury:

One worker suffered multiple fractures to leg, hip and foot; Second worker suffered fracture to leg

Fine:

£38,000 plus victim surcharge of £120

Company:

MyFresh Prepared Produce Ltd

Legislation:

sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Costs:

£8,320

Source:

HSE, 18 March 2015

Firm fined for multiple failings at Carmarthen waste site

Injury:

None

Fine:

£35,000

Company:

Mekatek Ltd

Legislation:

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012; Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Costs:

£20,000

Source:

HSE, 27 February 2015

Company in court again after dangerous quarry blast

Injury:

None

Fine:

£30,000

Company:

WCD Sleeman and Sons Ltd

Legislation:

Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Costs:

£20,000

Source:

HSE, 27 February 2015

Essex company in court after worker's life-changing injury

Injury:

Arm severed

Fine:

£18,000 plus £120 victim surcharge

Company:

Glenholme Nursery Ltd

Legislation:

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Costs:

£862.25

Source:

HSE, 10 March 2015

Ecology business in court over worker's broken back

Injury:

Fractured vertebra at the base of back

Fine:

£12,000

Company:

DF Clark Bionomique Ltd

Legislation:

Section 2(1) of the Health and...