On 21 December 2010 Stephen Thompson, 59, from Southampton, was using some steps to check the work he was about to do. He was helping his employer, boat builder Green Marine Limited, to close down its factory on Spitfire Quay and move to new premises.
He was stood at a height of about three metres when a scissor lift being used nearby hit a shelf and dislodged a piece of timber, which knocked the steps and Mr Thompson to the floor.
He fractured his right leg in four places and was in hospital for more than two weeks over the Christmas period.
He was subsequently off work for 10 months and, because he is now unable to stand for long periods, can no longer lead an active lifestyle. He has been informed there is a strong likelihood he will suffer severe arthritis in his leg because doctors have had to remove much of the cartilage in his ankle, and he is likely to have a limp for the rest of his life.
An HSE investigation revealed company managers had failed to plan the work to close the factory effectively.
They had omitted to ensure the appropriate equipment was available and adequately maintained, that staff had been appropriately trained for the project, or that work was being carried out safely to ensure that staff were not being put at risk.
Southampton Magistrates’ Court was told these failings had led to a situation where the factory floor was littered with different items, creating hazardous working conditions.
“The consequence,” said HSE inspector David Bibby, “is that a time served, loyal employee has been injured to the extent that it will affect him for the rest of his life, all because the company failed to put in place the basic building blocks for managing health and safety risks.”
Green Marine Limited, of Hythe Marine Park, Shore Road, Hythe, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1) and 5(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The firm was fined £26,666 and ordered to pay costs of £6,163.
