Worker suffers leg amputation after being crushed by 800kg steel pallet, manufacturer fined £60K
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, has determined that Amber Precast Ltd could have prevented a worker from being permanently disabled. The incident occurred at the manufacturer’s facility in Sheffield. Wayne Hatton was working a night shift in January 2021 when an 800kg steel pallet fell on him, crushing his legs. Ultimately, the employee had to have his right lower leg amputated with two toes on his left foot also being removed. Wayne spent seven weeks in the hospital and has a prosthetic leg.
During its investigation, the HSE learned that the pallet had not been secured onto the lifting chains of the overhead crane before being removed from the concrete cast. Because of this, the pallet was not being supported during the move. Additionally, the company had not implemented a system of work to ensure the pallet could be removed safely.
Amber Precast Ltd, of Davy Business Park, Prince Of Wales Road, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £5,406.31 in costs at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 9 January 2025.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, HSE inspector Jane Fox said, “This incident could so easily have been avoided with the correct instruction and implementation of an agreed safe working procedure. Amber Precast Ltd left its employees to work out their own methods of completing the pallet removal task, instead of providing them with suitable training and equipment so it could be done safely every time.”
Industrial accidents in the news
Worker suffers burns to 30% of his body while trying to repair a pump, drinks manufacturer fined £500K
The incident happened in March 2021 while a mechanical engineer was attempting to repair a defective pump at the company’s facility in Elgin.
Worker crushed to death while trying to move machine, company fined £80K
The incident occurred in November 2021 when two workers were attempting to move a large cutting press machine across a workshop floor.
Worker dies after being drawn into rotating machinery, plastic manufacturer fined £330K
The company failed to provide suitable health and safety training regarding the use of emery cloth on lathes.
Learn more about industrial safety
Room for Improvement in Safety in the Workplace
"Safety first is promoted but supervisors look the other way when deadlines are at risk," says BSI report.
The Journey to Become a Safety Professional
How formal education and training are transforming the safety profession—and workplaces.
Fewer Workers Died on the Job in 2023
The annual report from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on fatal occupational injuries shows improvement, but there's still room to make workplaces safer.