Large fine for concrete supplier after tyre explosion fatality

18 November 2021

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently reported that a concrete supplier has been fined after an agency worker who was contracted to work at its site suffered fatal injuries following a tyre explosion.  This resulted in the contractor suffering fatal injuries when using an air hose/compressed air to inflate the tyre of an articulated wheel loader.

An investigation by the HSE  into the incident back in 2019, found that the company failed to have a safe system of work in place for inflation of the multi-piece split rim assembly wheels on an articulated wheel loader.  The compressed air system had not been subject to regular and thorough examination and testing by a competent person.

The company, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £6,666.00 and ordered to pay costs of £4,522.40.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Karen Sweeney said: “This tragic incident led to the death of a worker.  This could easily have been prevented if the company had acted to identify and manage the risks involved, and to put a safe system of work in place.”

This case highlights the importance of having a safe system of work in place for each aspect of your operation. Should you require any advice, please contact a member of the Regulatory team on 01254 828300.