Company fined £800,000 after worker suffers burns

A firearms distributor has been fined after a worker suffered burns when disposing of waste pyrotechnic material inside a manufacturing facility. The material ignited and caused burns to the worker’s face, hand and legs. The worker had been using a metal tray designated for the destruction of excess powders however some of the pyrotechnic material came into contact with the hot tray and ignited unexpectedly.

An investigation by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there was no suitable risk assessment or safe system of work in place when the incident occurred. The worker was also not provided with suitable PPE for the work activity.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 7 of the Explosives Regulations 2014 and was fined £800,000.

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