Safety Signs News

Companies fined for failure to provide proper operating information

3rd December 2014 | Health and Safety Signs

Leicester Crown Court has fined two companies a total of £92,000 and costs because they failed to provide adequate information on how to operate a lifting beam. The beam became detached and seriously injured driver Mark Furborough as he loaded his vehicle at Brush Electrical Machines Ltd.

Mr Furborough sustained a broken leg, ribs and wrist, and a torn ligament during the incident, necessitating nine months off work and preventing him from continuing as a professional driver.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) argued that Brush Electrical Machines Ltd were using inappropriate technology in a dangerous way.

It also said that the suppliers of the lifting beam, Keenhandle Ltd, should have provided more information on how to use the device properly, to avoid misuse. This information could have included instruction manuals, labelling and safety signs.

Both Brush Electrical Machines Ltd and Keenhandle Ltd pleaded guilty to violating Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Posted by Nicole Stevens ADNFCR-2754-ID-801764129-ADNFCR