Quarry fined after accident (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Quarry fined after accident

7:12am Sunday 27th April 2008 in News By Sam Greenway

A BROMSGROVE company was fined £5,000, plus costs, after an employee suffered a serious injury when a 66lb lump of sandstone fell on his head.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) successfully prosecuted Wildmoor Quarry Products Ltd, of Sandy Lane, Bromsgrove, and is hoping the case will act as a warning to other employers. On March 21, Timothy Palmer had been working overtime at a power operated machine and went to clean it out when a 66lb lump of sandstone fell approximately 20ft, striking him on the back of the head.

John Williams, chairman of Wildmoor Quarry, pleaded guilty to breaching Section Two of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in not ensuring the health, safety and welfare at work of his employees.

The court heard that Mr Williams had provided safety hard hats, but did not enforce employees to wear them, something he has introduced following the accident.

It was accepted that the company had not gained financially by not ensuring employees' safety.

Mr Williams told the court that the accident had been "devastating" and referred to Mr Palmer as a friend.

“A quarry is one of the most dangerous environments and working there calls for vigilance by employers and workers alike."

HSE investigating inspector Ian Williamson

HSE investigating inspector Ian Williamson said: "A quarry is one of the most dangerous environments and working there calls for vigilance by employers and workers alike.

"To prevent illness or injury it is vitally important that appropriate safety instructions are followed and enforced by employers," he added.

Wildmoor Quarry Products Ltd was fined a total of £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,522.88 at Redditch magistrates' court.