Company fined after worker trapped by falling scrap lead

A lead recycling company was sentenced after a worker was trapped under a load of falling scrap lead.

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard how on 5 May 2016 an employee of H J Enthoven Ltd was operating the overhead crane, lifting a bin containing scrap lead when the bin slipped, emptying its contents onto the crane operator, trapping and injuring him.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the work was not suitably planned and supervised by a competent person or carried out in a safe manner.

H J Enthoven Ltd of South Darley, Matlock pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and has been fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £ 6509.69.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Rubeena Surnam said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided if the company had properly planned the work and implemented the control measures identified.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We prevent work-related death, injury and ill health through regulatory actions that range from influencing behaviours across whole industry sectors through to targeted interventions on individual businesses. These activities are supported by globally recognised scientific expertise. hse.gov.uk
2. More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: legislation.gov.uk/
3. Further HSE news releases are available at press.hse.gov.uk