Expert Calls For Lessons To Be Learned

Drax Power and Konecranes UK have been each fined £13,300 and ordered to pay costs in relation to a work accident in 2010 which left a man with a broken foot.

The unnamed 19-year-old worker was operating a crane at Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire when the incident occurred. He and a colleague were using a chain to operate the steering mechanism when the 13kg counter-balance weight detached and landed on his right foot.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that the weight was not suitably secure, while the crane had not been fully serviced for nine months despite guidance suggesting it should be checked every four months.

Sally Rissbrook, an associate solicitor who specialises in helping victims of accidents at work, said it was vital that employers in the industrial sector learn lessons from this kind of incident.

She said: “Time and time again we are contacted by people who have suffered serious injury as a result of safety failings in the workplace, including those hurt as a result of falling objects.

“Industrial settings are among the most dangerous work environments, which is why it is absolutely fundamental that health and safety is always treated as a high priority. This includes regular servicing of equipment to ensure that it is always safe to use.

“Too many workers are seriously injured as a result of employers failing to take the right steps to protect them from harm. This has to stop and we hope that lessons can be learnt  from cases like this.”