Personal Injury Solicitor Doncaster

Two companies in Yorkshire have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for an accident at work in which a man suffered serious injury.

Compass Engineering Ltd and Kaltenbacj Ltd were jointly prosecuted for the personal injury in Barnesly and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £115,000.

The court heard that an employee, Matthew Lowe, was caught in a computer controlled conveyer used for moving heavy steal beams after peering into an outlet. He we then forced though an opening just 125mm wide suffering serious internal and physcological injury. His injuries included rupturing his stomach and bowel, back injury from breaking his back in two places, shattering his pelvis, and fracturing both hips, his right arm and several ribs.

A HSE investigation found there was no guarding in place to protect him from dangerous moving parts - a serious safety failing for both Compass and Kaltenbach.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that both parties were responsible for ensuring sufficient guarding was in place. The machine ultimately belonged to Compass Engineering after it was bought from new, but Kaltenbach installed and signed-off the equipment as being fit and ready for use.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Chris Chambers said:

"It still amazes me that Matthew is here to tell the tale of the trauma he endured back in December 2008.
"His survival is quite remarkable, but that shouldn't detract from the fact his life could easily have been lost because Compass Engineering and Kaltenbach ultimately failed to protect him when it mattered most.

"Had appropriate guarding been in place the incident could never have happened. While this prosecution will live long in the memory because of the shock details, I hope it serves as a reminder to those involved in manufacturing, processing and the supply of machinery of the need to prevent access to dangerous parts."

After the case, Matthew Lowe said:

"What matters most is that the industry learns from my experience. My life has changed forever and no matter how well I recover from my physical injuries I will still have the psychological impact of the accident hanging over me.

"I hope my case highlights the dangers posed by not following health and safety regulations. It still won't be able to put my life back to how it was before the accident but at least then it might prevent others from suffering in the future."

It is understood that Mr Lowe intends claim for personal injury and accident at work compensation.

If you or someone you know would like to find out if they can claim injury compensation, call us today on 0800 612 7445 to arrange a free consultation with a specialist personal injury solicitor or click here to start your claim.