19/02/2010 - Warning as bakery fined over fall
Companies are being warned about the dangers of working at height after a Wales bakery was fined when one of its workers suffered a fractured rib in a fall.
Tregroes Waffle Bakery was ordered to pay a £1,750 fine and £1,374 in costs at Llanelli Magistrates' Court after an employee fell more than 4ft from a structural girder while cleaning a flour hopper.
The woman suffered bruising and injuries to her rib and leg in the incident 15 months ago. She landed on a bulk container below which saved her from falling almost eight feet.
The company, based in Llandysul, Ceredigion, pleaded guilty to breaching work at height regulations.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said most injuries in the workplace are caused by falls from height and urged employers to put safeguards into practice.
HSE inspector Scott McKinnon said: "This prosecution should serve as a warning to all employers of the need to fully assess the risks from working at height and ensure proper access for elevated areas."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
Related links
|
