Risk assessment failed injured worker

The lack of an appropriate risk assessment proved critical in an accident in February 9th 2007 in which a Stanlow oil refinery employee sustained multiple injuries including a fractured spine, shoulder, pelvis and ribs.

Shell UK Oil Products, his employer Dalprop Ltd (prev SG Blair & Co) and subcontractor Hertal UK all admitted breaching health and safety regulations, for which sentence will be passed on January 4th 2010.

As a regenerator had been closed for maintenance, a hoist with a steel cage had been constructed to bring rubble down to ground level but a rope attached to the cage snagged on a scaffolding structure. One of the boards became dislodged and the cage, suspended over an access way on the site, fell. Neither Shell nor SG had considered that lifting equipment was to be deployed and it was not risk assessed at the outset.

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