A contractor and a water management company have been fined after a worker was injured when he was hit by a 1.5 tonne water valve. The worker suffered leg injuries at work, and the two companies have been found to be at fault for the injury.
One company had contracted another to connect a 1.5 tonne water valve in a confined chamber at Kielder Reservoir, Northumberland. The valve was suspended from a lorry mounted crane when it swung across the chamber and struck the worker. His injuries include an open compound fracture of his tibia and fibula.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that both companies had failed to risk assess the work and the additional hazards introduced by a change in the scope of work. They failed to implement suitable safety measures and safe systems of work; and provide adequate supervision to the workers.
Speaking after the hearing, the HSE inspector said: “Companies must understand that work activities involving confined spaces, work at height and lifting operations must be subject to a robust risk assessment. Furthermore, risk assessments should be reviewed if the scope of work changes and additional hazards are introduced.
“Companies must also ensure that they have suitable safety control measures and safe systems of work in place to address the identified risks. Appropriate arrangements should be in place to supervise and monitor work.”
Leg Injuries at Work
When it comes to leg injuries, there are many different types, of varying severity. Any kind of leg injury has the ability to negatively impact your daily life, no matter how serious. You may find that you are in pain, unable to walk or struggling to perform your usual activities.
If the incident that caused the injury wasn’t your fault, you may be able to make a leg injury claim. Claim types include:
- Strains
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Leg amputations
If you suffer leg injuries at work, then your employer may be at fault. Employers must ensure that they keep their employees safe from accidents at work. They must conduct risk assessments on any work that their employees undertake to ensure the employees can carry out their work safely.
Employers must also make sure they follow the correct guidance on health and safety in the workplace. They must follow the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) to keep their employees safe from accidents at work.
If you have an accident at work and it is the fault of your employer, because they did not conduct thorough risk assessments or did not follow the correct health and safety guidelines, then you may be able to make an accident at work claim.
How We Can Help
Here at The Compensation Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with personal injury claims. This includes leg injuries at work. Contact us by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138765 to speak to one of our friendly experts.