A pig farming business in Teeside has been fined after a worker was hit by a hopper. The safety failing occurred after the hopper fell from the forks of a loader.
The victim, Imogen Simpson, aged 45, from Easington worked at F Brunton Sons Ltd in Guisborough. The incident, that occurred in June 2012 resulted in two skull fractures, her leg being broken in four places and a crushed ankle. In fact her injuries were so severe that it is unlikely she will ever beable to return to the same duties.
In September 2013 Teeside Magistrates’ Court heard that it was whilst another worker was trying to fill feed bags a blockage occurred. Whilst attempting to free the blockage the forks were moved up and down. As a result the hopper slipped and struck Mrs Simpson.
The investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that an unsuitable loader was used for the task. F Brunton Sons Ltd was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £5,153.40 costs. They pleaded guilty to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974. The HSE stated that this was an entirely avoidable accident that had resulted in some very serious injuries.