Steel firm fined as worker suffers broken bonesRSS Feed

An accident at work that left a 36-year-old man with multiple broken bones has resulted in a £20,000 fine for the firm responsible.

In 2008, Alexander Struthers from Thankerton, South Lanarkshire was operating a scissor lift, or cherry picker, when the basket he was working in was struck by an overhead crane.

He suffered a broken hip, pelvis, thigh bone, knee, ankle and nose, and spent six days in hospital.

BHC Ltd of Carnwarth pleaded guilty to breaking health and safety regulations at Lanark Sheriff Court and was fined £20,000.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Eve Macready said: "This completely avoidable incident has had an enormous impact on Mr Struthers' life.

She added: "Duty holders have an obligation to ensure all work at height is properly planned and a proper risk assessment has taken place."

The news of the case comes shortly after the HSE issued a warning to operators of scissor lifts, following five fatal accidents in Europe over four years.

Accident claims advice from Serious Law

Posted by T B Walters

Accident at work results in employee losing his thumb

18 May 2012

An accident at work that saw a man lose part of his thumb has resulted in the prosecution of an adhesive tape manufacturer.The 19-year-old agency worker had only been employed by Latrave Limited for three...

Read More...

'Safety failings' lead to accident at work death

17 May 2012

A retail marketing company's failure to heed safety warnings has led to the death of an employee in an accident at work.Bezier Limited was ordered to pay £118,500 in fines and costs after William...

Read More...

Safety failings lead to equipment hire company fine

16 May 2012

Failing to address unsafe working practices has led to an equipment hire company being fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).Four Improvement Notices were issued to Rapid Hire in Swindon, as concerns...

Read More...