On November 19, 2022, a tragic incident occurred at Code-A-Weld (Great Yarmouth) Ltd. An employee was seriously injured while manufacturing large steel cable drums for the offshore industry. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of workplace safety and the dire consequences when safety protocols are not meticulously followed.
The Incident
The worker, now 54, had been employed at Code-A-Weld when the accident happened. Although the company had prior experience in manufacturing steel drums, these particular drums were unprecedented in size, weighing over seven tonnes. During the manufacturing process, the jacking setup failed catastrophically. The failure resulted in the worker sustaining severe injuries, including fractures to his face and skull, and the permanent loss of sight in one eye.
Immediate Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath, the injured man was airlifted to a hospital. His condition was so severe that he had to be placed in an induced coma. He spent nearly three weeks in the hospital, where he underwent facial reconstruction surgery. This procedure was critical to his recovery but also reflective of the severe nature of his injuries.
Investigation Findings
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed a series of failures on the part of Code-A-Weld. The company did not perform an adequate risk assessment for the task at hand, failed to control risks associated with welding in confined spaces, and did not provide the necessary training to their employees.
Director’s Negligence
Additionally, the investigation highlighted that the company’s director, David Fowler, neglected to establish safe work systems for metal fabrication. This oversight was especially concerning given that there had been previous HSE interventions pointing out the necessity of risk assessments in their fabrication workshop.
Preventable Tragedy
The incident was a preventable tragedy. Proper risk assessments, safe work systems, and thorough planning for the jacking activity could have averted the accident. These safety measures are not merely bureaucratic requirements; they are essential to safeguarding the health and lives of workers.
Legal Proceedings
Following a sentencing hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on June 20, 2024, the judgment was issued on July 5.
Company Fines
Code-A-Weld (Great Yarmouth) Ltd, located in Harfreys Industrial Estate, Bessemer Way, Great Yarmouth, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Consequently, the company was fined £24,000 and ordered to pay £3,500 in costs.
Director Fines
David Fowler also pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the same Act. He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,500 in costs.
Importance of Safety Compliance
HSE inspector Natalie Prince emphasized the responsibilities of those in control of work environments. “Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction, and training to their workers in the safe system of working,” she stated. She underscored that had a suitable safe system of work been implemented, the life-threatening injuries sustained by the employee could have been prevented.
HSE Guidance
The HSE has provided extensive guidance on maintaining safety in engineering workshops, which can be found on their official website. This guidance is crucial for companies to develop and maintain safe working environments, ensuring that such tragic incidents do not recur.
Conclusion
The incident at Code-A-Weld (Great Yarmouth) Ltd underscores the vital need for stringent safety protocols and continuous vigilance in industrial workplaces. The fines imposed on the company and its director serve as a sobering reminder of the severe consequences of neglecting workplace safety. For the injured worker and his family, the repercussions of this oversight are lifelong. For other companies, this case should be a catalyst for reevaluating and reinforcing their safety measures, thereby protecting their workforce and avoiding similar tragedies.
