Recycling firm fined for driver’s broken jaw
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Ampthill Metal Company found guilty of breaching regulations in Health and Safety Executive prosecution
By Roger Brown
AMPTHILL METAL Company has been fined £15,000 after one of its HGV drivers had his jaw shattered as he attempted to open the rear door of the waste container on his truck.
In a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution, Bedford and Mid Beds Magistrates’ Court was told how Dean Bridges, 41, was working at the Bedfordshire metal recycling firm’s site in Station Road, Ampthill, in September 2009 when the incident happened.
Bridges removed the locating pin from the handle holding the rear door of the roll-on roll-off waste container shut.
However, the handle sprang out, striking him in the face.
He had his jaw broken in several places – which required his jaw to be wired – and also lost three teeth.
Bridges received 47 stitches, was unable to work for two months or eat solid food for three. The HSE investigation found that Ampthill Metal Company – authorised for nine vehicles and four trailers – had failed to ensure Bridges’ safety.
It also discovered that three similar incidents had occurred at the firm’s premises between 2002 and 2008, all involving workers being struck by container doors or container door handles.
The company pleaded not guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
However, after a two-day trial, the firm was found guilty by magistrates and also ordered to pay £21,718 costs.
Emma Rowlands, HSE inspector, says: “The risk of being struck by skip container doors within the waste industry is well known.
“Mr Bridges suffered serious facial injuries as a result of this incident, which was entirely preventable.
“HSE will not hesitate to prosecute companies that fail to take their health and safety obligations seriously.” No one from Ampthill Metal Company was available for comment as CM went to press.