Company fined after worker legs set on fire

A worker received severe burns to his legs when a can of paint thinner ignited causing an explosion.

Trafford Magistrates Court heard how Rust Proofing Company (Manchester) Ltd allowed employees to light fires around cast-iron radiators to speed up the process of removing powder coatings.

On 1 April 2008, a worker was scarred for life when his legs were set on fire.

The Health & Safety Executive prosecuted the company following the incident. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure the safety of its employees. On 9 February 2010, the company was fined £1,003 and ordered to pay £2,997 towards the cost of the prosecution.

HSE Inspector Philip Strickland said: "One of Rust Proofings employees was in hospital for three months following the incident and needed extensive skin grafts. He is still undergoing treatment for his injuries nearly two years later, and has been scarred for life as a result of the injuries he suffered.

"Its disturbing that this company needed something like this to happen before taking action to improve safety. This process for removing powder coatings was extremely dangerous and had been used on numerous occasions by workers.

"The coatings could have been removed safely as Rust Proofing Company (Manchester) Ltd had the equipment to do this, but tried to save time by lighting unsafe fires instead. As a result, one of the companys workers has suffered severe burns to both his legs and will never fully recover.

Inspector Strickland concluded: "Its vital that companies take action now to improve safety so similar incidents are prevented from happening again."

Every year, employees across the UK suffer burns caused by the uncontrolled ignition of flammable chemicals and other materials they work with. Work with flammable substances is hazardous because of the risk of fire and explosion.

Find out more about Fire Safety