Employer Fined After Worker Suffers Chemical Burns

Granville Oil & Chemical Company has been fined £100,000 and ordered to pay an additional £9,928.60 in costs after a spillage incident that resulted in a worker suffering chemical burns. The accident occurred while a worker was using a forklift truck to lift a container carrying 1,000 litres of Ultra-Concentrate.

The Ultra-Concentrate was being mixed with water to create engine degreaser. While operating the forklift, the forks of the vehicle dropped suddenly, causing a metal pipe that was used to pour the Ultra-Concentrate to hit the ground and break. The worker then exited the vehicle and attempted to stem the flow from the broken pipe.

In doing so, the employee suffered chemical burns to both of his arms and one leg. An HSE investigation discovered that the worker did not have proper personal protective equipment, including eye protection and proper hand protection.

In addition, the investigation found that there was no drench shower onsite and that employees had not been given instructions regarding what to do in such a situation.