Safety Signs News

Glass factory prosecution highlights importance of safety signs

13th June 2011 | Health and Safety Signs

Posted by Ben Alexander

The importance of training and health and safety signage has been highlighted in a recent court case, in which a Bristol glass company was fined.

Two workers at Pilkington UK Ltd's Imperial Park site were badly injured when an overloaded trolley of glass panes fell on them.

The load on the trolley, which exceeded the capacity of 1,500kg by 280kg, had been unevenly distributed, which caused it to collapse when Ashley Emes and Nick Stone tried to move it.

Mr Stone has only recently returned to work after recovering from severe cuts, bruising and tendon damage, while Mr Emes has yet to return, having suffered a broken leg and injuries to his neck requiring 72 stitches.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Mehtaab Hamid explained that employers have an obligation to ensure systems are in place to protect staff from injury.

This could include safety signs advising and reminding employees about the importance of adhering to guidelines.

Mr Hamid added: "Employers have a duty to ensure their staff have the information and training necessary to carry out their duties safely, and higher standards should be expected from such a large and well known company." ADNFCR-2754-ID-800576148-ADNFCR