Badly burned worker speaks out after firm is fined
11:38 - 11/03/2010
Badly burned worker speaks out after ...
A factory worker has been left permanently scarred and out of work after suffering severe burns in an accident at a Wirral factory.
Dean Moore, 39, was working for multi-national company FMC Chemicals Ltd on a temporary basis at the time of the incident on 5th June 2008. He was stationed at the firm’s site at Wirral International Business Park in Bromborough, but did not receive proper training before he was put to work.
Mr Moore was unblocking equipment containing lithium chloride – a chemical used to manufacture computer batteries – when the steam-heated substance poured out onto him, scalding his neck and shoulders.
Moore, who comes from North Wales, explains: “I thought safety measures were in place but obviously they weren't. […] I've been permanently scarred and was in a lot of pain for six months after it happened and suffered from depression. It's been a real struggle to find new work since the accident and I'm still unemployed.”
FMC Chemicals Ltd was fined £13,485 and ordered to pay a further £8,926.50 in court costs after they pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Wirral Magistrate’s Court.
The court heard that this was not the first time that an employee of the chemical firm had suffered such injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) served FMC with three enforcement notices back in May 2007 after a worker burned their legs during maintenance cleaning work. A further six notices were then issued in December 2007 after the HSE found that greater improvements to safety were still needed. The firm was apparently working towards full compliance with these notices when Mr Moore had his accident.
HSE Inspector Mark Burton commented: “FMC Chemicals was in the process of restructuring its safety management systems as a result of the enforcement notices we served and had appointed a new management team to lead the company.
“Unfortunately whilst the company was prioritising its resources at the time, it forgot the basics on this occasion. Significant risks should have been identified and adequate control measures put into place.”
Perry Leeks, Operations Director at First Response Training, says: “Health and safety training is an excellent way of helping employers determine what their risks are and how to manage them effectively. Training staff can help them to work safely which will save companies valuable time and money. We offer a range of accredited and bespoke Health and Safety training courses, all of which meet legal requirements and help employers avoid accidents.”
In addition to our direct provision health and safety training, we also offer over 40 E-learning titles, which can complement practical courses and are perfect for induction or refresher training. Please call us today for further information on any of our training courses.
Dean Moore, 39, was working for multi-national company FMC Chemicals Ltd on a temporary basis at the time of the incident on 5th June 2008. He was stationed at the firm’s site at Wirral International Business Park in Bromborough, but did not receive proper training before he was put to work.
Mr Moore was unblocking equipment containing lithium chloride – a chemical used to manufacture computer batteries – when the steam-heated substance poured out onto him, scalding his neck and shoulders.
Moore, who comes from North Wales, explains: “I thought safety measures were in place but obviously they weren't. […] I've been permanently scarred and was in a lot of pain for six months after it happened and suffered from depression. It's been a real struggle to find new work since the accident and I'm still unemployed.”
FMC Chemicals Ltd was fined £13,485 and ordered to pay a further £8,926.50 in court costs after they pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Wirral Magistrate’s Court.
The court heard that this was not the first time that an employee of the chemical firm had suffered such injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) served FMC with three enforcement notices back in May 2007 after a worker burned their legs during maintenance cleaning work. A further six notices were then issued in December 2007 after the HSE found that greater improvements to safety were still needed. The firm was apparently working towards full compliance with these notices when Mr Moore had his accident.
HSE Inspector Mark Burton commented: “FMC Chemicals was in the process of restructuring its safety management systems as a result of the enforcement notices we served and had appointed a new management team to lead the company.
“Unfortunately whilst the company was prioritising its resources at the time, it forgot the basics on this occasion. Significant risks should have been identified and adequate control measures put into place.”
Perry Leeks, Operations Director at First Response Training, says: “Health and safety training is an excellent way of helping employers determine what their risks are and how to manage them effectively. Training staff can help them to work safely which will save companies valuable time and money. We offer a range of accredited and bespoke Health and Safety training courses, all of which meet legal requirements and help employers avoid accidents.”
In addition to our direct provision health and safety training, we also offer over 40 E-learning titles, which can complement practical courses and are perfect for induction or refresher training. Please call us today for further information on any of our training courses.
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