Water firm fined over employee's injuries
March 2nd 15:51 Health and Safety
The need for employers to comply with health and safety at work regulations has been highlighted after a water firm employee was almost crushed to death.
Northumbrian Water was fined £17,000 after a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that Robert Ayers was almost fatally crushed between the cab and lifting bucket of the Bobcat skid steer loader he was driving.
A safety device, which should have prevented the incident, was found by the HSE to be faulty.
The company, which operates both Essex Water and Suffolk Water, was also ordered to pay £17,045.40 in court costs after Lowestoft Magistrates heard that Mr Ayers suffered crush injuries and permanent scarring.
Richard Hines, an HSE inspector, said: "Mr Ayers is very lucky to have escaped with his life from this incident because similar incidents with other companies have resulted in employees being crushed to death.
"It was a simple example of faulty equipment and insufficient training creating a potential disaster."
