Work accident involving chemicals

Steel firm Corus has been fined £125,000 after a worker suffered life-threatening burns when he fell into a vat of hot chemicals.

The accident happened at a gasholder complex in Scunthorpe when the employee fell feet-first into a pit.

Corus pleaded guilty to breaching three safety laws at Grimsby Crown Court and was also ordered to pay £17,763 costs.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Helen Berry said: "This was a very serious incident which resulted in an employee receiving extensive, life-threatening burns.

"The immediate cause was the company's poor workplace maintenance regime which meant that corrosion went unattended in the fencing provided to prevent falls into the interceptor pit.

"Employers have a duty to ensure that their workplace is safely maintained and this case all too clearly demonstrates the potential consequences of failure to discharge that duty."

Copyright © PA Business 2007