13/12/2010 - Steel firm fined for worker injury
A steel fabricating company based in Edinburgh has been fined after an employee suffered a seriously injured arm and hand when lifting steel plates.
On August 21, 2009, Ian Sutherland and another member of staff were marking a delivery of sheet metal plates before they were taken into the factory.
The metal plates, which each weighed more than two tonnes, were placed on top of each other, meaning that each had to be lifted in turn before the next plate down could be marked.
At the time of the incident, the firm's practice was for a crane operator to lift the plates by around 18in using bare hooks.
A wooden baton would then be placed in between the plates, which was supposed to protect the operators while reaching in to mark the lower plate.
Only a month before the incident occurred, HSE had carried out an inspection of the site. At that time, the HSE inspector had highlighted the importance of using the proper lifting equipment and the need for employees to have the correct training and supervision.
Mr Sutherland placed his right arm between the two plates to mark the lower plate, when the upper plate slipped from the hook and fell on to his arm.
Mr Sutherland's right forearm was broken and needed surgery to insert a 6in steel plate to support it. His middle finger on his right hand was also broken and needed to be pinned in three places. More than a year after the incident, Mr Sutherland still has a constant dull ache in his arm and has limited strength, and is unable to grip items properly.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that Forth Steel Ltd had an unsafe procedure in place for lifting the steel plates.
The investigation also showed that the company had not carried out a suitable assessment of the risks involved when employees worked under a suspended load and that the crane operator had not received any formal lifting training, despite the company identifying this need some months earlier.
Forth Steel Ltd of South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, admitted breaching section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure there was a safe system of work for the lifting of the plates, and not providing their employees with the information, instruction and training they needed to ensure their health and safety.
The company was fined £50,000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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