Gateshead firm fined after employee's feet crushed in accident at workRSS Feed
A Gateshead steel firm has been fined £40,000 following an accident at work that resulted in an employee's feet being crushed in a rolling mill.
Spartan UK Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the incident in 2009.
Alan Dixon, 62, from Gateshead, was carrying out maintenance work when removing large mill rollers used to reduce the thickness of slabs of steel at very high temperatures to make them into flat plates.
He had to stand on the outgoing side of the mill to attach a hydraulic ram to help with the removal of the rollers.
On the occasion of the accident, a co-worker in the control room was unaware Mr Dixon was standing on the mill and activated hydraulic side arms.
Mr Dixon's right foot and part of his left foot were crushed by the side arms against the conveyor rollers.
Surgeons were forced to amputate his right leg below the knee, while he is still undergoing treatment to repair his left heel.
It comes as the government announces proposals to reduce the number of workplace safety inspections by a third, which many are warning could lead to more accident claims.
Accident claims advice from Serious Law
Posted by T B Walters
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