M&M Windows Ltd. Fined for Failing to Insure Worker March 3, 2010
M&M Windows Ltd. pleaded guilty after an accident in their factory in Quarry Bank brought charges of violating health and safety provisions against the company. The company was fined £10,000 after Jeremy Adams, a contractual staff employee lost his finger in an accident.
The company was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act as well as Section 1(1) of the Employers’ Liability. The company mainly worked with contractual staff and hence they did not consider it necessary to have insurance for their employees.
Jenny Skeldon, an Inspector at the HSE stated that this unfortunate incident could have been averted if the company has taken the required precautions. She was of the opinion that the incident occurred as the company did not take measures to protect the dangerous parts of the double pivoting head mitre cutting saw which caused the injury. By taking safety precautions to guard the blade of the saw the employer could have prevented a serious accident.
Skeldon further, clarified that it was the responsibility of the employers to have insurance policies for all employees irrespective of whether they are contractual staff or permanent employees. The job responsibilities will decide the extent to which an employee needs to be insured, she said.
Workplace Law Consulting can help organisations to effectively manage their occupational health and safety environment risks. They offer a range of services to all industries with safety consultants to ensure the right level of practical support. The consultancy services are tailored to suit the particular needs of an organisation to assist in attaining its health and safety objectives.