Guilty plea after crane operator sustains serious injuries

An aluminium extrusion company in Shepshed has been fined £133,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,346.30 after an employee sustained serious hand and leg injuries.

Boal UK and four other companies were carrying out maintenance work to an aluminium extrusion machine when a travelling crane operator was struck by a stem, causing injuries that necessitated the amputation of the tops of three fingers.

The operator also suffered a fractured tibia.

Boal UK pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that an unsafe system of work had been used. No risk assessment had been carried out and it was also found that employees undertaking the work were inadequately trained.

HSE inspector Michelle Morrison said: “Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those that fall below the required standards.”