Health and Safety | Kangs Regulatory Solicitors
£160,000 fine for Aircraft Company After Workers Fall From A Plane
An aircraft engineering company has been fined after two employees fell whilst they were carrying out checks on the tail of an airplane.
The Court heard that the two men were working either side of the tail using mobile elevated work platforms when another employee closed the wrong circuit breaker, inadvertently opening the planes airbrake which knocked over both platforms the men were standing on.
One man suffered a fractured pelvis, broken back, broken ribs, a fractured elbow and a punctured lung. The second man suffered a broken wrist and a spinal injury.
The company, based at Stanstead Airport, pleaded guilty to breaches under sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The company was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,492.90.
Speaking after the case, the Health and Safety Inspector said:
‘Both of these men suffered shocking injuries after falling from height, which could easily have been a double fatality. Our investigation found the incident could have been avoided had adequate monitoring been taking place. Aircraft maintenance companies are reminded that not all risks are covered by the Aircraft Maintenance Manual and additional measures need to be introduced.’
The Relevant Law | Kangs Health and Safety at Work Solicitors
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK.
The Health and Safety Executive, with local authorities (and other enforcing authorities), is responsible for enforcing the Act.
Section 2 of the Act states:
‘It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.’
Section 3 of the Act states:
‘It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.’
How Can We Help? | Kangs Health and Safety Solicitors
Kangs Solicitors have a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with all matters of health and safety law.
As is clear from the case above, the Courts are not afraid to impose large fines in recognition of the seriousness of companies flouting health and safety law.
Our specialist lawyers are able to provide advice and assistance throughout the entire criminal process, from the initial intervention by the health and safety executive through to enforcement, interview under caution and ultimately criminal prosecution.
Who Can I Contact For Help? | Kangs Solicitors
Please feel free to contact our team through any of the lawyers named below who will be happy to provide you with some initial advice and assistance.
Hamraj Kang
hkang@kangssolicitors.co.uk
07976 258171 | 020 7936 6396 | 0121 449 9888
John Veale
jveale@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396
Steve Micklewright
smicklewright@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396
