A pipe coupling manufacturer has been fined £10,000 after worker suffered multiple injuries when two quarter tonne steel flange rings fell on him.
Overview:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that a 39-year-old machine operative from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, was working at the premises of pipe coupling manufacturer, Viking Johnson on Wilbury Way, Hitchin, when the incident happened on 7 May 2009.
The employee was rolling smaller flange rings – a circular steel disc used to connect pipes – out of a metal storage rack, when the 250kg rings fell. The larger rings landed on his pelvis, causing internal injuries and multiple fractures.
A HSE investigation found that the metal rack in which the rings were resting was not suitable and the firm had failed to assess the risk of rings falling on an employee while taking them down.
Outcome:
The HSE prosecuted Crane Ltd, Viking Johnson’s parent company of West Road, Ipswich, manufacturers of valves and fittings for building services. The company admitted breaching Regulation 4 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 – for which it was fined £15,000 – and Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974, with a fine of £10,000. The company was ordered to pay £3,387.25 in prosecution costs.
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Source: Health & Safety Executive
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