Crown Censure Administered to the MOD after Training Deaths
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) was administered a Crown Censure by the HSE after three soldiers died during a training exercise in the Brecon Beacons. Despite its Crown status, the MOD is not exempt from its responsibilities as an employer to reduce the potential risks that its employees may be exposed to. In its investigation, the HSE found that the MOD failed to plan, assess and manage risks associated with climate illness during training. Since the incident, the HSE has been working with the MOD to ensure that all risks associated with future training exercises are properly addressed while maintaining the integrity of the exercise.
Alton Towers’ Owners to be Prosecuted After ‘Smiler’ Incident
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd will be prosecuted for the incident that occurred at Alton Towers last June, which seriously injured five people. The five people were on the ‘Smiler’ rollercoaster when their carriage collided with a stationary carriage on the same track. In its investigation, the HSE found sufficient evidence that the company did not properly manage the potential risks associated with the theme park’s rides.
Waste Management Firm Fined After Worker Crushed to Death
Rainbow Waste Management Limited, a Derbyshire waste firm, was fined £136,000 and ordered to pay £64,770 in costs after a worker was crushed by the bucket of a motorised loading shovel. In the 10 days leading up to the accident, CCTV cameras at the site captured over 200 examples of unsafe work practices. In its investigation, the HSE found that the company had failed to provide its employees with adequate training, mitigate the potential risks and establish basic supervisory practices.
Company Fined for Failure to Comply with Improvement Notices
William Fry Fabrications Limited, a London-based company that fabricates structural steel products, was fined £13,333 and ordered to pay £2,527 in costs after failing to maintain HSE compliance. Despite receiving an Improvement and Prohibition Notice for its cranes, the company failed to thoroughly examine the equipment. In its investigation, the HSE found that between 2012 and 2015, the cranes had not been examined at least every 12 months—despite a legal obligation to do so.
