Work vehicle explodes causing burns to road worker

A road marking company has been successfully prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for breaching work equipment regulations and was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,123 in costs.

The investigation was brought about after a worker suffered minor burns after a road marking vehicle caught fire and exploded.

A Magistrates Court heard how the employee was laying road markings at the time the vehicle caught fire which resulted in him getting burnt.

The HSE’s investigation found that the cause of the fire and eventual explosion was due to the fact that the gas-heated cauldrons on top of the vehicle were not suitable for the job being done. It was also discovered that the equipment had not been installed correctly or maintained regularly, as the pipe work was not properly connected and it had no flame failure devices.

An HSE spokesperson said: “This is not the first time there has been a fire of this nature on a road marking vehicle and the operators need to ensure that the equipment has been installed by a competent person and regularly maintained.

“It is a matter of good fortune that nobody died as a result of this incident.”

If you have suffered an injury at work that wasn’t your fault then you may be entitled to personal injury compensation for your loss of earnings and pain and discomfort. Companies need to take responsibility for their failings in health and safety and we have experienced solicitors who can guide you through the process top see if you have a viable case. Contact us now on 0800 1979 345 or complete our simple enquiry form and a solicitor will contact you.