Glasgow firm fined following carbon monoxide poisoning
08:52 - 25/05/2010
Glasgow firm fined following carbon m...
A Glasgow-based security firm and the construction company who sub-contracted them have both been fined following a ‘tragic incident’ in which a security guard died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Thomas Fraser, 37, was employed as a security guard for Alpha Group Security Ltd and was working on a construction site in Hamilton, overseen by Clyde Valley Housing Association Ltd, when he died on 6th February 2008.
Mr Fraser was at an on-site flat, used as a base for employees, where a portable petrol generator was being used for power. He had not been provided with proper constructions to be able to operate it safely and there was not appropriate ventilation within the flat. The carbon monoxide fumes resulting from the use of the generator built up to such a level that they eventually poisoned and overwhelmed him.
Alpha Group Security Ltd and Clyde Valley Housing Association Ltd both pleaded guilty at Hamilton Sheriff Court to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The security firm were fined £7,000 while the housing association were fined a total of £70,000.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Adrian Tinson said: “This tragic incident should never have happened. It is the clear duty of those who create risks to manage them and to implement safe systems of work.
“[…] It should not be assumed that someone knows how to operate equipment. Responsible management of risk should have ensured the safe set up and use of the portable petrol generator in a well-ventilated area which could have avoided this unnecessary death.”
We offer a wide range of health and safety training courses, including Essentials of Health and Safety, Safety Representatives, Managing and Supervising Safety and Managing and Supervising Risk. These courses can all be completed in-house and will ensure that companies meet their legal obligations as well as learning about effective health and safety management.
Operations Director Perry Leeks says: “Health and Safety law is there for a reason and the HSE are pretty clear about the action they will take against anyone who is not complying with this law. Firms need to protect their workers from harm and protect themselves against expensive litigation.
“Training is the best way to ensure that you are up to date with all of the regulations and that you are following safe systems of work. Our experienced sales team can talk you through your obligations and training options so that you can find the best training programme for your organisation.”
For further information, please call us today.
Thomas Fraser, 37, was employed as a security guard for Alpha Group Security Ltd and was working on a construction site in Hamilton, overseen by Clyde Valley Housing Association Ltd, when he died on 6th February 2008.
Mr Fraser was at an on-site flat, used as a base for employees, where a portable petrol generator was being used for power. He had not been provided with proper constructions to be able to operate it safely and there was not appropriate ventilation within the flat. The carbon monoxide fumes resulting from the use of the generator built up to such a level that they eventually poisoned and overwhelmed him.
Alpha Group Security Ltd and Clyde Valley Housing Association Ltd both pleaded guilty at Hamilton Sheriff Court to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The security firm were fined £7,000 while the housing association were fined a total of £70,000.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Adrian Tinson said: “This tragic incident should never have happened. It is the clear duty of those who create risks to manage them and to implement safe systems of work.
“[…] It should not be assumed that someone knows how to operate equipment. Responsible management of risk should have ensured the safe set up and use of the portable petrol generator in a well-ventilated area which could have avoided this unnecessary death.”
We offer a wide range of health and safety training courses, including Essentials of Health and Safety, Safety Representatives, Managing and Supervising Safety and Managing and Supervising Risk. These courses can all be completed in-house and will ensure that companies meet their legal obligations as well as learning about effective health and safety management.
Operations Director Perry Leeks says: “Health and Safety law is there for a reason and the HSE are pretty clear about the action they will take against anyone who is not complying with this law. Firms need to protect their workers from harm and protect themselves against expensive litigation.
“Training is the best way to ensure that you are up to date with all of the regulations and that you are following safe systems of work. Our experienced sales team can talk you through your obligations and training options so that you can find the best training programme for your organisation.”
For further information, please call us today.
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