Man Struck By Piece Of Metal From Strimmer

A countryside management firm has been fined £15,000 after pleading guilty to workplace safety breaches following the death of a 37-year-old contractor.

Tony Robinson, from Ulverston, was killed in February 2010 when a link on a chain which was spinning on a petrol strimmer detached and struck him on the back of the neck.

ThreeShires was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after an investigation highlighted that the work he was involved in, clearing undergrowth at Ramsden Dock in Barrow, was not planned or undertaken safely.

It was suggested that the firm failed to recognise the risks of fitting the chain attachment to the strimmer and had allowed Mr Robinson to work closely to where it was being operated by another worker.

Louise Scott, an expert in workplace injury claims at Irwin Mitchell, said the fatal accident demonstrated the very serious risks which can emerge when work is not undertaken in a safe manner.

She outlined: “We have repeatedly called for employers to ensure they are doing everything they can to protect workers from potential risks and this type of case demonstrates just why we continue to do so.

“This is yet another example, like so many we see, where someone has suffered a serious or fatal injury as a result of factors which could and should have been considered well before the accident.

“It is absolutely vital that checks are taken before all work, while work equipment should also be reviewed to ensure it is suitable and safe for use.”

If you or a loved one has suffered due to an accident at work, our personal injury claims team could help you to secure the compensation you deserve. Visit our Workplace Accident Compensation page for more information.