Warrington company fined following a Fatal Accident at Work

A Warrington company has recently been fined £150,000.00 plus costs of £80,000.00 at Warwickshire Crown Court following the death of an employee in an accident at work.  William Ward, a 56 year old married man from Sheffield, died at the Company’s Warwickshire depot in October 2011 when a barge which he was dismantling collapsed and crushed him. 

 

European Metal Recycling Limited (EMR), whose headquarters are based at Delta Crescent, Warrington, were found to have breached the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 by failing to ensure that barges were dismantled in a safe manner. 

 

Mark Austin from the Health and Safety Executive stated after the Court hearing that this fatal accident at work was completely preventable had the work been better planned and managed. 

 

 

The Court found that European Metal Recycling Limited (EMR) was guilty of a breach of health and safety regulation. All employers have a duty towards employees to ensure that they provide a safe system of work and a safe working environment.   Employers must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of health and safety risks and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided as necessary e.g. safety goggles, hard hats, high visibility clothing and safety boots. 

 

Accident at work compensation claims 

 

By law employers must have employers’ liability insurance which covers the risk of an employee being injured or ill through work.  Such insurance is compulsory and even if a Company closes down a compensation claim can still be made. 

 

 

If you need help with an accident at work compensation claim or further information on fatal accidents visit these pages on our website or contact us on 01925 937070.