Bosses reminded of risk assessment obligations
Commercial insurance
17th April 2009
Employers have been reminded that they are legally required to carry out full risk assessments in situations where the workforce are exposed to danger.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) moved to ensure company bosses are aware of their obligations after a worker was badly injured when an 800kg machine fell on top of him.
Colin Davies suffered injuries, including a broken femur and extensive bruising, after a swarf crusher - part of a wheel lathe - toppled on him in 2006.
His employer, Pullman Design and Fabrication, have been fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £27,500 in court costs for breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
HSE inspector Hugh Emmet commented: "This [incident] demonstrates the need for companies to carry out suitable risk assessments to ensure that a safe system of work is in place."
In related news, East Dunbartonshire Council has been fined after the driver of a recycling lorry killed a colleague by reversing over him.
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