Steel firm prosecuted after worker’s leg had to be amputated
14:02 - 20/04/2011
Steel firm prosecuted after worker’...
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) decided to prosecute a Gateshead steel firm after a worker sustained horrific injuries at work, which he says have since affected every aspect of his life.
Alan Dixon, an employee of Spartan UK Ltd, was carrying out routine maintenance work at their site at the time of the incident on 28th August 2009. The maintenance team were removing large mill rollers, used to reduce the thickness of steel slabs, in order for them to be cleaned.
Mr Dixon had to stand on the outgoing side of the mill, with his feet in between several hot conveyor rollers, in order to complete the task. One of Mr Dixon’s colleagues was unaware that he was standing on the mill and activated the hydraulic side arms which are used to position steel plates through the rollers. The sidearms moved inwards against Mr Dixon, crushing his feet against the conveyor rollers.
The rollers operate at very high temperatures in order to transform steel slabs into flat plates. Mr Dixon was unable to place his severely injured feet onto the hot rollers and so was forced to grab on to the mill, an action which left him with burns on his forearms.
Mr Dixon, aged 62, was rushed to hospital where surgeons were forced to amputate his right leg below the knee. He continues to receive treatment to repair his left heel and it is possible that he may require a further operation to relieve his ongoing pain. It is believed that he will never work again.
He has said: “Every aspect of my life has changed. My injuries affect me from first thing in the morning. [...] Just getting dressed is a different ball game.
“It’s shocking there weren’t more safety measures in place.”
Spartan UK Ltd appeared at Gateshead Magistrate’s Court where they pleaded guilty to breaching the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They received a £40,000 fine and were ordered to pay a further £9,757.99 in prosecution costs.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Jonathan Wills said: “Simple and inexpensive measures would have prevented this incident from occurring.”
First Response Training can offer a wide range of training programmes designed to ensure that all staff are aware of proper safety procedures and that managers implement safe systems of work for their employees to follow. In-house training courses, to take place at your premises, are available from as little as £22 per person and First Response also offer public training courses at a number of venues across the UK.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “Please call to speak to one of our advisors about our bespoke induction packages, which can be specifically tailored to your organisation and developed in conjunction with our dedicated Curriculum team. This is a flexible service which can range from a basic induction to a more in-depth health and safety training which utilises bespoke systems and paperwork unique to your workplace.”
Alan Dixon, an employee of Spartan UK Ltd, was carrying out routine maintenance work at their site at the time of the incident on 28th August 2009. The maintenance team were removing large mill rollers, used to reduce the thickness of steel slabs, in order for them to be cleaned.
Mr Dixon had to stand on the outgoing side of the mill, with his feet in between several hot conveyor rollers, in order to complete the task. One of Mr Dixon’s colleagues was unaware that he was standing on the mill and activated the hydraulic side arms which are used to position steel plates through the rollers. The sidearms moved inwards against Mr Dixon, crushing his feet against the conveyor rollers.
The rollers operate at very high temperatures in order to transform steel slabs into flat plates. Mr Dixon was unable to place his severely injured feet onto the hot rollers and so was forced to grab on to the mill, an action which left him with burns on his forearms.
Mr Dixon, aged 62, was rushed to hospital where surgeons were forced to amputate his right leg below the knee. He continues to receive treatment to repair his left heel and it is possible that he may require a further operation to relieve his ongoing pain. It is believed that he will never work again.
He has said: “Every aspect of my life has changed. My injuries affect me from first thing in the morning. [...] Just getting dressed is a different ball game.
“It’s shocking there weren’t more safety measures in place.”
Spartan UK Ltd appeared at Gateshead Magistrate’s Court where they pleaded guilty to breaching the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They received a £40,000 fine and were ordered to pay a further £9,757.99 in prosecution costs.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Jonathan Wills said: “Simple and inexpensive measures would have prevented this incident from occurring.”
First Response Training can offer a wide range of training programmes designed to ensure that all staff are aware of proper safety procedures and that managers implement safe systems of work for their employees to follow. In-house training courses, to take place at your premises, are available from as little as £22 per person and First Response also offer public training courses at a number of venues across the UK.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “Please call to speak to one of our advisors about our bespoke induction packages, which can be specifically tailored to your organisation and developed in conjunction with our dedicated Curriculum team. This is a flexible service which can range from a basic induction to a more in-depth health and safety training which utilises bespoke systems and paperwork unique to your workplace.”
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