Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
This article was published on March 10th, 2014
An independent dairy, with an annual turnover of £340 million, has been successfully prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after admitting two counts of breaching health and safety regulations.
The firm was fined £54,000 and ordered to pay court costs of £18,553 as a result of the HSE’s findings.
The case concerns two of the diarys employees who suffered third degree burns when a tank containing 600 Litres of scolding hot water vented/overflowed onto them as they were cleaning the equipment.
The woman received the worst injuries with third degree burns to her whole body and the man suffered third degree burns to his back and left arm. As a result of the accident the femaile worker was admitted to the burns unit in Whiston Hospital on Merseyside where she was treated for a week.
The incident happened as a result of procedures not being followed correctly and would have been prevented if clear written instructions and information were readily available and a comprehensive system of checks in place.
Prosecuting Counsel Jonathan Rogers said “Valves needed to be opened and closed in a particular sequence and there were no detailed instructions or information at all as to how that should be done,”.
The HSE investigating officials found the systems for ensuring employees’ safety were inadequate and had been so many years.
The company did have health and safety systems in place, although it was accepted they had proved to be inadequate.
Both employees still have scarring from the incident which happened in October 2011.
Our specialist solicitors have consistently achieved excellent results for our clients in Macclesfield, Manchester, Cheshire and surrounding areas and remain dedicated to maximising the compensation for workplace accidents available on a no win – no fee basis.
We offer a free initial interview in order to review your specific circumstances and assess the viability of your work accident compensation claim. After this, the majority of claims are dealt with on a no win – no fee basis. Call us now on FREEPHONE 0800 1979 345.