Thames Valley Police and constable fined

A civilian police worker was shot in the stomach during awareness training by a police firearms instructor after he loaded what he thought was a non-live round into a revolver in May 2007.

A risk assessment had been prepared for firearms, including a situation where live and non-live ammunition were mixed, based on the weapons and ammunition being under the control of a competent person such as a firearms instructor.

HSE found that had the control measures detailed in the assessment been followed the accident would not have happened.

Thames Valley Police was fined £40,000 with costs of £25,000, the constable was fined £8,000 with costs of £5,000 for breaches of health and safety law.

The judge concluded the keeping of mixed ammunition in an unmarked Quality Street tin was a 'disaster waiting to happen.'

Article created by Editor. (info@safetynetscotland.co.uk)