A maintenance worker at a recycling centre suffered life-changing crush injuries when a loading shovel bucket fell on him during a maintenance task.

The worker was fixing a hydraulic leak when the bucket unexpectedly dropped, causing multiple fractures to his ribs, leg, foot, and pelvis.

He required three operations and has been left with permanent mobility issues.

KEY FINDINGS

the key findings from the HSE investigation were:

• No risk assessment was carried out for the maintenance activity.
• No safe system of work was in place.
• The worker had not received adequate training, instruction, or information.
• The company was fined £160,000 for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, with additional costs and victim surcharge
•  
• .

HOW COULD THIS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED?

• Conducting a thorough risk assessment before starting maintenance.
• Implementing a safe system of work, including isolation of moving parts.
• Providing proper training and supervision for all maintenance tasks.
• Using appropriate lifting and securing equipment to prevent uncontrolled movement.
• Clear communication and documentation of procedures and hazards.
• Controlling high risk and contractor activities via a Permit to Work system.

KEY REVIEW POINTS

• Ensure risk assessments are completed and reviewed for all maintenance tasks.
• Develop and follow method statements and safe systems of work, including Permit to Work requirements.
• Confirm equipment isolation procedures are in place and effective.
• Provide task-specific training and supervision.
• Regularly audit and review safety arrangements for high-risk activities.

HSE

For further details, refer to the HSE Press Release: Worcester waste company fined after worker suffers life-changing crush injuries – HSE Media Centre. This alert contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under  https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/