Encirc Ltd, a Chester glass container manufacturer, has been fined for serious safety breaches after an incident where two employees were injured in a flash fire.
The incident occurred on 14 May 2014 when two employees were welding pieces on work benches. Flammable aerosols were stored around the mould shop where the employees were working. A gas canister exploded which caused a flash fire and injured the two workers. A further risk of fire and explosion was also casued by oxyacetylene welding taking place in the area, this put further employees at risk.
On investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) it was discovered that no risk assessment had been carried out and there had been no instruction given to operatives regarding the storage and use of flammable aerosols on work benches in the mould shop. The company was found to have failed to comply with their duty to assess the risk and implement control measures.
HSE Inspector Jane Carroll, said:
''This case highlights the fact that a failure to properly assess the risks within a workplace and take effective remedial action can lead to poor practices developing and employees being injured.''
The company pleaded guilty to breaches under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and were fined £18,000 as well as being ordered to pay costs of £772.90 by Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
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