Firm fined £10,000 after worker loses leg

A Somerset construction firm has been fined £10,000 after a delivery driver lost his leg in a paving accident.

Alan Seviour’s foot was crushed as he cleared material from the front of a surface paving machine. His injuries resulted in his leg being aputated below the knee.

The HSE prosecuted John Wainwright for not ensuring the health and safety of its employee. The firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was also ordered to pay £8,015 costs.

HSE inspector Annette Walker said, “Mr Seviour suffered life-changing injuries because the machine was in motion and the driver had limited forward visibility because of the way the machine was designed.”

“Mr Seviour has been able to return to work now that the company has provided him with a suitable vehicle. However, it all could have been avoided if John Wainwright & Co had put the right systems in place to ensure the safety of all people working with or near this machine.”