A HSE investigation went on to note that the company did not have a suitable inspection and maintenance regime for checking the floor at the factory, despite it being in a humid area and at risk of becoming unstable due to rust.
NTG (Papermill) Ltd, of Lansil Way in Lancaster, was fined $15,121 after pleading guilty to a breach of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 by failing to properly maintain the mezzanine floor. The company was also ordered to pay nearly $8,870 in prosecution costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Anthony Banks stated that “The employee at NTG was lucky he was able to grab onto the mezzanine floor as he fell. If he had fallen all the way to the concrete below then he could have been killed.
“The incident happened in a very humid area of the factory and the company should have done more to make sure metal grates which make up the walkway didn’t become unsafe.
Proper Maintenance Systems To Protect Workers Vital
“Companies shouldn’t just wait for employees to be injured before taking any action to improve safety. It’s vital that proper maintenance systems are in place to protect workers.”
On average, research indicates that 30 workers are killed while at work in the manufacturing industry in Great Britain every year, making up one-fourth of all workplace deaths.
Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Director of Operations, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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