HSE warns companies about the correct disposal of hazardous materials

BAE Systems Land Systems (Munitions and Ordinance) Ltd. are prosecuted following a worker receiving serious burns disposing of hazardous material  - 15th September 2008

 

A worker was severely burned in an accident at work where the correct procedures weren't being used, leading to BAE Systems Land Systems (Munitions and Ordinance) Ltd. being prosecuted.

On the 12th August 2004 the agency worker was destroying pyrotechnic composition when it ignited causing serious burns to the man's face, neck and arms.

The resulting HSE investigation found that although BAE had procedures for disposal when destroying this material, and for the composition of the material these were not followed in this instance, nor was the management and supervision sufficient to ensure the procedures were followed.

It was also found that training consisted of the worker shadowing a senior operative and reading the procedure manual. The management should not have allowed the lack of training leading to the accident happen.

BAE were fined £15,000 at Cardiff Crown Court for breaching section 2(1) Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 which states that: “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”, and section 3(1) Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 which states that: “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.”

They were also ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation the worker who was injured in the accident.

The HSE is warning companies who handle hazardous materials they must have correct processes for carrying out these procedures, and they must be followed.