Home / Business and Economy / Metal sheets fall: Worker loses leg, firm fined
Metal sheets fall: Worker loses leg, firm fined
29 Nov
Summary
- Heavy metal sheets fell on an employee, leading to amputation.
- The manufacturing company was fined £200,000 for safety breaches.
- Previous similar incident lessons were not learned by the company.
A wood-burning stove manufacturer, A J Wells & Sons Ltd, has been fined £200,000 after an employee sustained a severe injury requiring lower leg amputation. The incident occurred in August 2023, when metal sheets weighing over 20kg each fell on the worker while he was moving them on a trolley. The company’s failure to provide suitable equipment and adequate training was cited as a primary cause.
The Health and Safety Executive's investigation revealed that the company had not adequately assessed risks, particularly given a similar incident in November 2021. This repetition of safety lapses led to the severe consequences for the employee. The company pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety legislation at Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.
The substantial fine and an order to pay £9,056 in prosecution costs underscore the gravity of the safety violations. Health and safety inspectors emphasized the importance of diligent risk assessment and control measures to prevent such life-altering accidents in the industry. This case serves as a stark reminder of workplace safety responsibilities.
