The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that Ampthill Metal Company Ltd. have been fined after an employee had his jaw broken in several places and lost three teeth while attempting to open the rear door of a Roll-on Roll-off container. As he removed the locating pin from the handle holding the rear door of the container shut, the handle sprung out, striking Mr. Bridges in the face.
The HSE investigation found that three similar incidents had occurred at the company's premises between 2002 and 2008, all involving workers being struck by container doors or container door handles.
The company pleaded not guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. After a two day trial, which finished today, the firm was found guilty by magistrates and fined £15,000 with £21,718.05 costs.