Latest news with #Act1974
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Airport fined after pensioner dies following fall from lift
The 81-year-old had just landed at the airport after holidaying on the Greek island of Rhodes with his wife Anne, when the incident happened on November 28, 2023. Mr Young and his wife, who has mobility issues, had been waiting for one of the airport's ambulifts to assist them disembarking the aircraft shortly after 4pm. The couple had been two of six people requiring the assistance of the ambulift following the flight. Ambulifts are a specially designed vehicle to assist passengers with reduced mobility. Edinburgh Airport has several such vehicles which are owned, maintained and operated by the airport and driven by its employees. READ MORE: Mr Young attempted to pass a piece of hand luggage to a worker on the ground whilst the tail lift had not yet been lowered. It is believed he leant against the safety rail, which swung open causing him to fall approximately five feet to the ground below. He was assisted to his feet and helped into a wheelchair and although he wasn't thought to have sustained serious injury at time, he was taken to hospital. When examined at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, it was found Mr Young had sustained serious injuries and he subsequently died on December 7 as a result of the injuries. As a result of the incident, Edinburgh Airport Limited submitted a RIDDOR to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and an investigation was carried out. That found that when it was raised from the ground, the locking mechanism on the tail lift's safety rail was misaligned, meaning it could potentially open outwards if pressure was applied to it. When the safety rail moved outwards from the lifting platform an open edge was created and it was through this that Mr Young fell. Edinburgh Airport Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £80k at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on June 10, 2025. HSE inspector Jurate Gruzaite, said: 'Edinburgh Airport Limited had a duty to ensure all of its work equipment was maintained in an efficient state and in working order. The company failed in this duty and had a role in a family tragedy that unfolded the moment Mr and Mrs Young returned from holiday. 'It is clear that the fault on the ambulift had been in place before Mr Young fell from the platform. 'We can only hope this tragic incident is one the industry can learn from.'
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Car dealership fined £200,000 after two workers diagnosed with incurable condition
A car dealership has been handed a hefty fine of over £200,000 after two employees were diagnosed with hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) at its body shop in November 2022. The condition, caused by frequent use of vibrating tools, such as random-orbital sanders and reciprocating saws during vehicle refurbishments, was identified following repeated exposure to the equipment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warns that extended use of vibration-inducing tools can lead to serious health issues, including chronic joint, nerve, circulatory, and muscle disorders affecting the arms and hands. The risk of developing or worsening HAVS increases with daily exposure to vibration, and individual susceptibility to this condition can differ from person-to-person. The workers were employed at Rowes Garage Ltd, in Truro, Cornwall, reports Plymouth Live. An employee, who wished to remain anonymous, opened up about their ordeal, saying: "It's hard to say exactly how long I have had the symptoms for, but I think maybe a hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)bout eight years. My fingers would go white and I'd lose feeling. This was particularly bad in damp or cold weather." They continued: "I can say that over the years my symptoms seem to have got worse. The blanching has spread and I find it hard to pick up small items." An investigation by the HSE uncovered inadequate management systems for monitoring vibration exposure from tools among staff at Rowes Garage. It also found a lack of proper risk assessments and preventative measures, despite high levels of exposure. The garage's workers were not informed or trained about the potential risk of injury. Although two employees had experienced symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) for several years, the company failed to take adequate action to reduce their exposure. Rowes Garage Ltd, based in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £204,000 and ordered to pay £8,099 in costs by Plymouth Magistrates' Court on May 8. HSE Inspector Emma O'Hara said: "Rowes Garage Ltd had been exposing employees to the risks arising from the use of vibrating tools for a significant period of time. "They fell below expected standards which has been reflected in the fine that has been imposed. HAVS is a serious and disabling permanent condition and HSE will not hesitate to take action against employers that fall below the expected standard." The successful prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Jonathan Bambro and Paralegal Rebecca Forman.
The Independent
25-02-2025
- The Independent
Moment welder crushed at Sunderland shipyard caught on CCTV
A welder was crushed while working at a shipyard in Sunderland in 2022, newly-released CCTV footage shows. David Vinsome, 37, from North Shields, sustained multiple rib fractures and internal injuries following the incident at Pallion Shipyard, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said on Tuesday, 25 February. He was crushed between an excavation bucket and a fabrication table. HSE said the company failed to ensure that the lifting activity was properly planned by a competent person or carried out in a safe manner, and failed to establish a safe system of work for this activity – leading to a breakdown of communication between the multiple operators involved. Midland Steel Traders Ltd, Portobello Ind Est, Shadon Way, Chester le Street, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £100,000 and told to pay £4,916 costs at Newcastle Magistrates Court on 13 February 2025.
