Accident at work causes serious facial injuries
A Barnsley bus firm has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following breaches of Health and Safety law which left an apprentice mechanic with serious facial injuries.
17-year-old Ben Burgin was working at a Stagecoach Yorkshire garage in Wakefield when the accident occurred in September 2009.
Mr Burgin was working with an experienced fitter to correct a braking fault on a bus with an air suspension system. The two men attempted to repair the bus on the garage floor, rather than moving it to an inspection pit.
Mr Burgin slid under the bus near the front passenger wheel to make adjustments. Whilst under the bus the air suspension failed, and the bus dropped on him severely injuring his face.
Plastic surgery required after accident
Mr Burgin suffered head injuries, a fractured eye socket and broken nose; he required restorative plastic surgery for his facial injuries.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive led to the prosecution of the Stagecoach subsidiary Yorkshire Traction Company Ltd at Barnsley Magistrates Court.
The firm pleaded guilty to offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £8,473 in costs.
Workplace accidents are more common than people realise
HSE inspecting officer Steve Kay said: “Thankfully, Ben has been able to return to work but he had a painful recovery after suffering a totally needless ordeal.
“When employing young people, it is crucial that firms take particular account of their obvious lack of experience and lack of awareness and risks.
“Risks involved when working on buses with air suspension systems are well-known. Latest guidance has warnings about never going underneath unless buses are properly supported.”
Samantha Hemsley, a solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors’ Serious Injuries Team said: “Workplace accidents are more common than people realise. A lack of training, knowledge and supervision is all too often the cause of injury and in many of the cases we deal with the victims are often young inexperienced employees”
Looking for legal advice following serious injury? Chat to one of our specialists today.
Thompsons Solicitors will move swiftly to support you or your loved one to build a case for compensation after catastrophic injury. Our priority is to establish the facts and apply for interim payments as quickly as possible to secure vital funds for treatment and rehabilitation. The aim is to get you, or your loved one, on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
Our committed serious injury specialists secure millions of pounds in damages for seriously injured people each year and are supported by Client Support Coordinators and groups such as the Spinal Injuries Association, Headway and the Limbless Association, to signpost clients to sources of further aid.
If you, or someone you care about, has been catastrophically injured in the last three years contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation with a serious injury expert to discuss your serious injury compensation claim.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.