Company lands £130,000 fine after worker hit by fireball
1 min read
A cement company has been fined over £100,000 after a worker caught fire during an explosion at its Grays site.
Paul Ridings an electrical engineer from South Bensfleet suffered burns to his neck, chest, arms and hands while working for Lafarge Cement UK Plc.
Ridings was engulfed by a fireball as he investigated a fault with an energy meter. The 39 year-old inadvertently disturbed a loose connection and exposed a strand of wire leading that triggered the explosion.
A Health and Safety Executive Investigation found Lafarge Cement UK Plc of Granite Way, Syston, Leicester had failed to ensure safety standards were maintained on electrical systems.
HSE inspector, David King said: "It's clear that in this case the overall arrangements for maintaining electrical assets were inadequate and the health and safety of both staff and contractors were put at risk.
King added: "HSE will proactively prosecute any company exposing workers to these unnecessary risks."
Lafarge Cement UK Plc admitted health and safety breaches and was fined £130,000.
For guidance on electrical safety at your site click the link below.
