Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Uk Construction Directory
Search our 158,288 companies....

Construction News

25/07/2014

Recycling Firm Fined For Safety Failings

A Kent recycling firm has been fined £7,000 and ordered to pay £3,000 in costs after an employee had his jaw shattered when he was hit by a piece of plastic pipe ejected from a bandsaw.

The worker, then 42 from Chatham, who does not wish to be named, was cutting down the old gas pipe for recycling at Kingsnorth Waste Management's site in Hoo, Rochester, on 11 August 2010 when the incident happened. The pipe was some 50 cm long and 30 cm in diameter and 2 cm thick.

As he fed the domed section of the pipe into the bandsaw, the teeth of the blade stuck into the plastic, rotated it round the domed end and ejected it. The piece was thrown out at high speed and struck him in his throat and under his chin. It broke both upper and lower jaw bones and burst his jaw hinges.
-- Advertisement --
hss



Kingsnorth Waste Management pleaded guilty to safety failings at Dartford Magistrates' Court after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The court heard the worker had undergone a number of operations, including a bone graft from his hip, over the past four years to reconstruct his jaw. He still suffers from a continual feeling of 'pins and needles' caused by irreparable nerve damage, and has problems eating.

Early in its investigation, HSE identified that after the incident, there had been two further instances of plastic pipe being ejected as it was being sawn and striking the operators, including one where the worker was a 16-year-old trainee. As a result, a prohibition notice was served on Kingsnorth Waste Management preventing any further use of the bandsaws for cutting this sort of material.

HSE found the company had not identified the added risks of using the bandsaws to cut across cylindrical material, such as the rotation and ejection of pieces from the saw. There were no measures, such as the use of jigs clamps or wedges, to allow the machine to be more safely used.

(CD/JP)

Latest Construction News

30/01/2025
Work has officially commenced on a new primary school in Stafford, set to open its doors to students for the 2025/26 academic year. Burleyfields Primary School, located on Martin Drive, will be part of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, helping to meet the growing demand for school places in
30/01/2025
A major new design, technology, and science block is under construction at Wellingborough School, marking a significant transformation for the over 400-year-old institution. Leading multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is overseeing the project, providing architectural and civil engineering s
30/01/2025
Kier has been reappointed to two major frameworks aimed at delivering critical healthcare, education, and public sector projects across Wales. The company has secured positions on multiple lots of the 'NHS Building for Wales 2' framework, which is dedicated to large-scale healthcare projects, and t
30/01/2025
Story Homes has submitted a full planning application for a new residential development in the village of Swarthmoor, which will provide 155 high-quality homes. The planning application, presented to Westmorland & Furness Council, includes the creation of 54 affordable homes aimed at eligible local
30/01/2025
Suffolk-based construction firm SEH French has won a top national award for its work on extending a GP surgery in Ely. The Ipswich company was awarded Best Non-Residential Extension, Alteration, or Conversion at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Grand Finals for its impressive transformat
30/01/2025
Irish construction company Sisk has been appointed to deliver a cutting-edge Children's Cancer Centre (CCC) at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in central London. The landmark project is being supported by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) as part of its 'Build it.
30/01/2025
A Grade II Listed landmark in Chorlton has been fully restored, more than 130 years after its original construction. The Lych Gate, which dates back to the 19th century, was officially reopened in a ceremony attended by local council members and community leaders. The historic structure, originally
30/01/2025
Plans to improve walking and cycling access around Elland and West Vale have taken a significant step forward with Esh Construction appointed to finalise the detailed designs for the Elland Access Package in collaboration with Calderdale Council. Approved by planners in November 2024, the designs f
30/01/2025
Construction work is commence on an extra care housing scheme that will make a hugely-positive difference to life in a Leeds community. Leeds City Council's Middlecross development in Armley will be home to 65 high-quality, energy efficient and affordable apartments providing independent living opp
30/01/2025
Plans to improve public transport and enhance walking and cycling routes along the A4 Portway will be presented to the Transport and Connectivity Committee next month. On Thursday, 6 February, Bristol City Council will vote on whether to submit a full business case for the A4 Portway transport corr
BRICOFLOR UKAqua Direct LtdThink Construction Skills Ltd.Efco UK LtdStuart CanvasLakeside HireT & D Glazing And Installation LimitedJust TankersLoft Conversion DirectTHE FIXING STORE LTD