A cement company was fined £1 million following the death of an employee
Dragon Alfa Cement Limited employed a 35 year old worker, Martin Bennett who was crushed beneath a 1.6 tonne concrete weight on 4 August 2021. The weight was being used as part of a system for raising pallets loaded with 25kg bags of cement. The devastating incident shows the potential consequences of inadequate safeguards around heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
Crushed by 1.6 tonne concrete weight
Martin was working at the company’s cement plant when he became trapped beneath the heavy concrete weight. Machinery that is capable of lifting or moving extremely heavy loads presents obvious and very serious risks to workers. Employers have a responsibility to identify those risks and make sure that suitable measures have been put in place to prevent workers from coming into contact with moving machinery or entering dangerous areas. Had proper safety measures been in place, Martin would still be alive.
Machinery safety
Industrial workers are often exposed to significant risks when working with heavy plant and machinery, lifting equipment, conveyors, presses and other mechanical systems. Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employers and take reasonable steps to control risks.
Compensation claims after a workplace accident
At WE Solicitors we represent people who have suffered serious injuries in workplace accidents, including accidents involving machinery, construction equipment, vehicles and other industrial equipment. If you or a family member have been involved in a serious workplace accident, contact WE Solicitors for a no obligation chat.
