Company fined after worker suffers cement burns

A company is being fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an employee suffered chemical burns on a building site.

O'Brien and McIntyre is paying £500 plus costs of £150 after pleading guilty to contravening the Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

A worker suffered burns from wet concrete after his Wellington boot filled with the material while he was levelling a home's foundations.

There were no washing facilities to control the burn at the site which was on Banbury Road in Kineton.

Prosecuting inspector for the HSE Tony Woodward claims companies have a responsibility to recognise the risk wet concrete can be to those coming into contact with it.

He states the firm has no excuse for failing to recognise the danger it presented its employees.

Describing a fine as often being an ineffective deterrent, Mr Woodward says a history of health and safety breaches can often prove a more damaging punishment.

Yesterday, the HSE held an event to promote good health and safety practise in the construction industry.