Wood products manufacturer fined over £1M after 2 workers suffer severe injuries less than 6 months apart
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, has determined that West Fraser (Europe) Ltd, formerly known as Norbord, could have prevented two safety incidents that resulted in two employees being injured. The incidents occurred within six months of each other in 2020 at the company’s Cowie facility.
The first accident occurred when Sean Gallagher, a utility operator, noticed a fault on a bunker at the plant. He entered the bunker twice to carry out an inspection. The first time, Sean did so in accordance with the company’s safe system of work procedure. The second time, however, he did not turn off the power. Sean’s leg became entangled in the moving parts at the bottom of the storage bunker, causing severe injuries. He was taken to the hospital to treat compound fractures to the tibia and fibula of his right leg.
Later that year, a rusty plate gave way on a rooftop gantry, sending David McMillan, a scaffolder, falling 13 feet to the ground. David suffered multiple fractures to his body, including his neck and ankle, and had to spend 20 days in the hospital. A subsequent HSE inspection discovered that there was no maintenance schedule or system of checks for the gantry structure. Because of this, the steel flooring to the gantry was corroded in places, and some of the welds holding the plates in place were at the point of failure.
West Fraser has a history of health and safety violations. In 2022, the company, which manufactures wood-based products, was fined more than £2million after a worker suffered serious burns and ultimately died from their injuries.
In relation to the first incident, West Fraser (Europe) Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to comply with regulations 11(1) and (2) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £28,000 at Stirling Sheriff Court on 17 February 2025.
For the second incident, West Fraser (Europe) Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to comply with sections 4(2) and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £1,040,000 at Stirling Sheriff Court on 17 February 2025.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, HSE inspector Stuart Easson said, “This is the second time in five years this company has been handed a large fine for failing to protect workers. Although both men sustained very serious injuries in these latest incidents, both are lucky to be alive. We hope this outcome demonstrates that repeated failures of this nature are not acceptable.”
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