Safety Signs News

Leighton Buzzard firm fined after employee injury

11th March 2014 | Health and Safety Signs

Posted by Ben Alexander

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a powder-coating firm based in Leighton Buzzard after a lifting equipment failure caused serious injuries to a worker's right hand.

The incident occurred when a crane was being used to lift a basket of metal items. A lifting eyebolt on the device failed, sending the basket and its contents falling onto an employee's hand.

The worker suffered broken bones, lacerations, and damage to the nerves and tendons in his right hand. The HSE found that DT Powder Coating Ltd (now trading as XL Powder Coating Ltd) had not trained employees in the use of the crane, nor had it performed a relevant risk assessment.

In addition, the lifting bolt that should have been securely screwed into the crane was instead poorly welded in place. This weld failed, causing the incident.

DT Powder Coating was found guilty of breaching Regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Regulation 3(2) of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995, and Regulation 5 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It was fined £36,000 and ordered to pay £10,509 costs. ADNFCR-2754-ID-801702075-ADNFCR