Manufacturer prosecuted and fined £300,000 after a worker was crushed

A manufacturing company has been prosecuted and fined after a worker was crushed under a 1.5 tonne hydraulic arm. The company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The worker had been working underneath the arm when it failed, resulting in life changing crush injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that whilst there was a safety bar intended to prevent the arm from falling, it was not fit for purpose. The company had not conducted suitable risk assessments or implemented controls to prevent the equipment from failing.

HSE has guidance available on its website to assist businesses with conducting suitable and sufficient risk assessments to mee legal requirements.