Firm fined £8,000 for accident at work
One of the country’s leading energy companies has been fined after a man was injured whilst working at a power station.
The firm was ordered to pay £8,000 by Cardiff Crown Court after admitting to breaches in health and safety legislation.
The victim suffered personal injury to his right hand and forearm after high pressure air escaped from a pipe that he was servicing.
He had to receive treatment in three different hospitals, undergo an operation to remove debris from his arm and is likely to be left with permanent scars.
He has already received £3,000 work accident compensation following the accident in 2007, which occurred at the power station in the Vale Glamorgan.
Working with one of his colleagues, the victim had been told that the pipe had been depressurised before he had begun to work on it. As he started to remove the valve, the pair heard a bang, before dust and rust was forced out at high pressure into his hand and arm.
Defending the energy firm, barrister James Leonard stated how the company had an ‘excellent safety record’, adding: “This industry isn’t without its hazards, but this failing is an isolated event.”
However, Judge Nicholas Cooke QC concluded: “It’s down to the grace of God and good fortune the injury wasn’t more serious.”
Updated on 12/05/2010