Locations
The fines and costs which may flow from a safety related incident can be significant, not to mention the reputational stigma which the company will suffer. We set out below examples of recent prosecutions which give a flavour of the sentences handed down following conviction. For further information on any of these cases please do not hesitate to contact Rhys Griffiths of our Corporate Risk Management Group.
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Firms fined for workmen's four storey plunge down lift shaft |
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Injury: |
One worker suffered a broken back; the other worker suffered two broken legs |
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Fines: |
£85,000 (Cowling) £50,000 (Prestoplan) £35,000 (Somerset Carpenters) |
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Companies: |
Cowlin Construction Ltd, Prestoplan Ltd and Somerset Carpenters Ltd |
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Legislation: |
Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 |
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Costs: |
£20,000 each for Cowling and Prestoplan. £22,000 for Somerset Carpenters |
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Source: |
HSE, 3 August 2012 |
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Council fined after subcontractor suffers severe crush injuries |
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Injury: |
Fractures to pelvis and spine, bruising to a kidney, internal bleeding and nerve damage |
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Fine: |
£40,000 |
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Company: |
Dumfries and Galloway Council |
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Legislation: |
Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety At Work etc Act 1974 |
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Costs: |
n/a |
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Source: |
HSE, 30 July 2012 |
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Timber building company fined after worker's fall at Shropshire school |
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Injury: |
Fractured back, breastbone, six ribs and right wrist |
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Fine: |
£6,500 |
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Company: |
RG Stones (Buildings) Ltd |
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Legislation: |
Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 |
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Costs: |
£3,105 |
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Source: |
HSE, 10 August 2012 |
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Injury: |
Soft tissue injuries to groin |
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Fine: |
£5,000 |
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Company: |
Rugeley Environmental Waste Services Ltd |
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Legislation: |
Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 |
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Costs: |
£4,306 |
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Source: |
HSE, 15 August 2012 |
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Injury: |
None – fine after a routine inspection at one of its sites revealed a number of dangerous failings |
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Fine: |
£2,000 |
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Company: |
T Richard Jones (Betws) Ltd |
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Legislation: |
Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 |
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Costs: |
£3,658 |
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Source: |
HSE, 6 August 2012 |