Telford firm fined after worker burned

Date:

21 February 2011

Release No:

WM356/11

A security safe manufacturer has been fined after an employee was burned while fitting an under-floor safe.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted SMP Security Ltd, of Halesfield 24, Telford, following the incident in which Nigel Gibbon, 44, from Telford, was operating a flocking machine to apply a soft lining to the safe on 28 June 2008.

SMP Security failed to carry out a proper risk assessment for the work, meaning when Mr Gibbons used an adhesive to apply the nylon flock lining, a flammable atmosphere was created inside the safe. This then ignited when he operated the flocking machine, causing burn injuries.

Telford Magistrates' Court heard how Mr Gibbon suffered second degree burns to his left hand and wrist. He will require surgery to repair tendon damage to his hand and still suffers pain, particularly in cold weather.

SMP Security Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5(1) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. The company was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £6,000 costs.

HSE inspector David Kivlin said:

"Mr Gibbon would not have suffered these injuries if SMP Security had carried out a proper assessment of the risks arising from the flocking task.

"This would have identified several alternatives that could have been easily implemented such as using flocking equipment specifically designed for use in flammable atmospheres, or replacing the flammable adhesive with a water-based version.

"Had SMP taken the time to look at the risks, Mr Gibbon's injuries could have been avoided entirely. This wasn't the first time this type of incident had happened at the company, yet it failed to prevent it happening again."

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk
2. Regulation 5(1) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 states: "Where a dangerous substance is or is liable to be present at the workplace, the employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to his employees which arise from that substance".

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Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News & PR West Midlands