HSE urges health and safety training at ports
A fine in the amount of £20,000 has been levied against an Essex Port berth operator because of a 2010 incident in which an employee suffered a double amputation. The accident began when William James, an elderly worker at the facility, was knocked over by a container in the process of being lowered. This event in and of itself could have been serious enough, but became far worse because the driver responsible for the container’s descent was unaware that Mr James was in a danger zone. As the container continued to descend, it crushed both of Mr James’s legs.
A HSE investigation concluded that Stanton Grove Limited, responsible for berth 47 where the accident occurred, did fail to take the measures necessary to guarantee worker health and safety. In addition to the fine already assessed, Stanton Grove will also be asked to pay costs in an amount yet to be determined.
HSE Inspector Toni Drury was clear about the need for improved health and safety training for all workers, stating after the hearing: “It is common for a wide range of vehicles and equipment to have to use shared space on the docks…Good co-ordination and co-operation between all those who are in control of the berth, the operations and the workforce is a necessity, and an agreed safe system of work must be properly communicated and training provided to all involved.”
The direct employer of Mr James, in contrast to Stanton Grove, was prosecuted but found not guilty of violating the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
