HSE warns companies to assess risk after worker injured by toppled crusher
15/04/2009
The Health and Safety Executive is warning employers to ensure their staff are suitably trained for the safe movement of heavy machinery, following the prosecution of a Cardiff company.
The warning comes after one of its employees was severely injured when an 800kg machine toppled onto him.
Pullman Design and Fabrication Ltd of the Train Maintenance Depot in Leckwith, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £27,500 costs at Cardiff Crown Court this week.
In September 2006, Colin Mark Davies was working with a colleague to move a ‘swarf crusher’, which was part of a wheel lathe. It was being used by his employers, Pullman Design and Fabrication Ltd, to refurbish the wheels of railway rolling stock. The machine was being moved using ‘skates’, which were being positioned under its legs when it toppled over, trapping Mr Davies. He suffered a broken collar bone, broken wrist, broken femur, back injuries and extensive bruising of the feet, back and legs.
HSE inspector Hugh Emment said: "Mr Davies suffered extensive injuries as a result of this incident. This demonstrates the need for companies to carry out suitable risk assessments to ensure that a safe system of work is in place and this includes all planning and training arrangements before work of this nature begins. There is a legal requirement for employers to carry out full risk assessments in situations where employees are exposed to greater danger."