Builder's Accident Results in Fine and Compensation
An accident in which a builder suffered a serious hand injury has resulted in a fine and a compensation payment, it is reported.
The unnamed man was injured in the accident in February 2010. He and a colleague had been pumping concrete into a garden in Telford. After they had finished the job, the man set about cleaning the hopper pump, which is used in the spreading of concrete.
He lifted up the locking safety grill of the machine, but as he did, a swinging tube moved and trapped his hand. The tube crushed his hand, and he was rushed to hospital. Unfortunately, the injuries were so severe that he had to have three fingers and part of his thumb amputated.
The HSE investigated, and found that there were safety failings with the interlocking system of the hopper pump. The pump had been supplied to the man’s employers (O’Neil Concrete Pumping Ltd) by another firm, Transcrete (GB) Ltd.
The HSE found that Transcrete had failed to ensure that the pump was designed in a way that would be safe to clean. They were fined £4,000 at court last week in regards to this failure. O’Neil Concrete Pumping Ltd were also fined at Telford Magistrates’ Court. They were fined £3,000 for failing to ensure the health and safety of their employees.
The man is reported to have already received a compensation payment for the injuries he sustained.
