HSE warns companies to assess risk after worker injured by toppled crusher

Date:

15 April 2009

Release No:

COI/W/232/09

The Health and Safety Executive is warning employers to ensure 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, pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and were fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £27,500 costs at Cardiff Crown Court this week

In September 2006, Colin Mark Davies, from Cardiff, was working with a colleague in moving a ‘swarf crusher’, which was part of a wheel lathe. It was being used by his employers, Pullman Design and Fabrication Ltd of the Train Maintenance Depot in Leckwith, Cardiff to refurbish the wheels of railway rolling stock.

The machine was being moved using ‘skates’ which were being positioned under the legs of the machine 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."

Advice for employers on when to carry out risk assessments is available from HSE Infoline or from the HSE website (details below).

Notes to editors

1. Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”

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Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Wales. For further information, please contact 0844 800 6823.