Company fined after an explosion seriously injured two employees
28 November 2024
A company has been fined after an explosion seriously injured two employees.
The incident happened at a factory in Birmingham on 23 November 2023.
The two employees were working on a machine when it exploded. They were both taken to hospital with serious injuries.
One of the employees suffered burns to 40% of his body, and a fractured skull. The other employee suffered burns to 20% of his body, and a broken leg.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to properly maintain the machine, and had not provided adequate training to the employees.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined £500,000 and ordered to pay costs of £100,000.
HSE inspector John Wilkes said: “This was a serious incident that could have been avoided. The company failed to properly maintain the machine, and had not provided adequate training to the employees. This led to the explosion, which caused serious injuries to two employees.
“We are pleased that the company has pleaded guilty and has been fined. We hope that this case will serve as a warning to other companies about the importance of health and safety.”
Notes to editors
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is an independent Crown body, responsible for regulating the risks to health and safety arising from work activities in Great Britain.
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the primary legislation covering health and safety at work in Great Britain.
- The company has the right to appeal the fine.
Media contact
HSE Press Office press@hse.gov.uk 020 3028 3653
Company fined after an explosion seriously injured two employees
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