Work accidents happen, but no one expects to go to work and lose an eye. Unfortunately, this devastating event became a reality for one employee at a tissue manufacturing company.

SHP Online reports on the grave consequences of neglecting basic Health and Safety standards in the workplace. In a landmark case, a tissue manufacturer was fined £1 million for their failure to protect their workers adequately.

“A Welsh company that manufactures kitchen and toilet tissue paper has been fined £1million after an employee was seriously injured when he was struck in the face by a crane hook.

On 5 November 2019, the man who worked for Sofidel UK Limited based in Neath, was attempting to free a paper reel, which had become stuck on the exit rails of a paper machine, by using an overhead crane.

During the operation, part of the crane contacted the spinning reel causing the crane hook to swing violently striking the man in the face. He suffered the loss of an eye, multiple fractures to the face and lost 9 teeth. 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Sofidel UK Limited, based at Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, Briton Ferry, Neath, failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify the hazards posed by paper reels which did not eject correctly from the machine. They also failed to ensure that control measures were in place and that employees were provided with information and instructions on what to do should this situation arise. HSE reported that the issue was happening regularly, yet no risk assessment had been undertaken despite operators being provided with basic equipment to use in these circumstances.

 At Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 13 July, Sofidel UK Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were fined £1million and ordered to pay costs of £13,446.50.”

 

At Attwaters Accidents, we understand that life-changing injuries can shatter lives and livelihoods. Our mission is to ensure that those injured due to employer negligence receive the compensation they deserve.

We fight for your rights, covering lost earnings and facilitating essential treatments to aid your recovery.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety. The employee’s life was irrevocably altered, and the incident could have been prevented had the employer taken appropriate precautions. A proper risk assessment that encompassed non-routine operations and stringent control measures could have averted this tragedy.

Workplace safety is not just a moral obligation; it’s a legal one. Your employers are legally bound to create a safe working environment for you. Failure to do so not only leads to prosecutions and fines but, more importantly, it can leave you permanently injured or worse.

Looking at the details of this case, we can’t help but empathise with the injured worker and their family, whose lives have been forever changed. The repercussions of such an incident go far beyond the immediate physical pain. Emotional trauma, financial burdens, and an uncertain future are just some of the heavy tolls our accident at work solicitors see all too often.

For the injured employee, life may never be the same again. The loss of an eye can severely impact their ability to work, earn a living, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. We, at Attwaters Accidents, are committed to helping them rebuild their lives by securing the compensation they need to cope with the financial hardships arising from their injuries.

As specialists in personal injury claims, we have witnessed the devastating consequences of employer negligence firsthand. Our experienced team understands the intricacies of such cases and is determined to hold employers accountable for their actions. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.

We firmly believe that every employee has the right to a safe and secure workplace. Employers have a duty to provide adequate training, appropriate safety measures, and supervision to protect their workers from harm. By failing to fulfill these obligations, they put their workforce at risk and face severe consequences when accidents occur.

Workplace accidents are preventable. When employers prioritise Health and Safety, they create an environment where accidents are far less likely to happen. Investing in proper risk assessments, safety protocols, and employee training can make all the difference between a thriving, injury-free workplace and a life-altering catastrophe.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a workplace injury caused by employer negligence, do not hesitate to reach out to Attwaters Accidents. We are here to support you during these difficult times, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Together, let’s make employers accountable and work towards a safer, accident-free working environment for all.

Remember, accidents can be prevented, and lives can be protected. Let’s ensure that no one has to endure the pain of preventable workplace injuries ever again.

If you had an accident at work, you must inform your employer. It should also be accurately recorded in the Accident Book. Even if your accident hasn’t caused you to take time off work, you can still claim compensation for the injury itself.

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