Two workers injured in explosion after waste burned at site – company prosecuted for actions
Staff employed by 1st Surface Ltd were clearing an overgrown garden. As they worked to clear the various overgrown trees and shrubs they accumulated a large amount of waste – enough to fill five skips had these been provided.
In the absence of any plan for disposal, the workers decided to burn it. Management at the company wre not involved in this decision and did not direct the staff to follow the course of action but were prosecuted for the resulting injuries.
As on old air raid shelter was present on site the workers decided to use this as an incinerator and added an amount of dry wood plus petrol to get the fire started.
Given the enclosed nature of the shelter the petrol vapours accumulated in the air raid shelter and built up quickly to a level where they formed an explosive mixture with air. One of the workers then threw a lit taper down the chimney of the shelter and when the flame reached it the vapour exploded.
Injuries to workers
Both men were standing on the shelter and received burns to their faces before being thrown to the ground. Both workers were hospitalised and has not yet returned to work nearly two years after the event.
HSE investigation blamed employer
When HSE investigators reviewed the incident they blamed the employer in spite of the fact that the method of waste disposal had not been sanctioned by management.
HSE considered that the men would not have followed the method of work they resorted to had the employer made suitable arrangements to remove the waste safely.
1st Surface Ltd pleaded guilty to health and safety charges and were fortunate to be fined a small amount of £9,000 with £2,571 in costs.
Link to petrol safety advice
