Recycling Firm Fined Over Workplace Safety Failures Expert Welcomes Action 10.11.2010 The decision to fine a recycling firm which failed to carry out risk assessments that could have prevented a worker passing out has been welcomed by a leading workplace injury lawyer.David Urpeth of Irwin Mitchell commented after Overton Recycling of Lye was fined £13,000 and ordered to pay £6,107 of costs over an incident in which 47-year-old Stephen Barnes passed out while working on a machine used to recycle fridges.The employee climbed into a chute linked to the machinery in order to unblock it, but the presence of nitrogen made him pass out. An inspection into the incident revealed that no assessment had been carried out in relation to the gas in the chute, while the firm was told it should also have systems that mean people do not need to enter the confined space to clear blockages.Accident at work solicitor David Urpeth said: “Risk assessments are a vital part of keeping workers safe and it is vital that such checks are carried out on all areas of work which could lead to potential problems.“The failure to carry out the assessments in his case meant that a worker was hurt and the firm was fined, so I hope that this legal action serves as a warning to many other companies.“Everyone in the world of work deserves to know that their employers take their welfare seriously.” Press contact James Clarke Press Officer +44 (0)161 838 3169 Email James Related articles 20.02.2019Handyman Devastated By Asbestos Cancer Diagnosis Calls On Ex-Butlins Filey Colleagues For Help 19.02.2019Light Aircraft Passengers At Risk Of Being Left Unable To Access Funds Due To Inadequate Insurance Rules 18.02.2019Essex Teenager Seriously Hurt By Drink And Drugs Driver Issues Road Safety Plea 18.02.2019Legal Experts Urge Abuse Survivors Not To Suffer In Silence After Teaching Assistant Carl Jones Jailed For Sex Offences 15.02.2019Transgender Man Fights For Right To Be Recognised As Father On Child's Birth Certificate 14.02.2019Former Shipyard Worker Seeks Answers After Lung Cancer Diagnosis Is Linked To Asbestos