Amek and Emerald Isle prosecuted after fatal accident

Two companies, Emerald Isle Reprocessing Ltd and Amek Ltd, were  fined a total of £6,500 plus costs of £10,280 at Antrim Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to breaches of health and safety legislation.   The case arose following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) into a fatal incident on the premises of Emerald Isle Reprocessing Ltd, Randalstown on 2 July 2010.

A 37yr old employee of Emerald Isle Reprocessing Ltd was attempting to move a wheeled portable conveyor to gain access to a large waste bin in order to empty it.   During this attempted move, the conveyor fell over onto the employee fatally injuring him.

The HSENI investigation revealed that the conveyor was designed, manufactured and purchased from Amek Ltd in 2008.  There were deficiencies in the design and construction of the conveyor which meant it was potentially dangerous when being moved. Emeralds Isle Reprocessing Ltd. did not do a risk assessment, in order to identify how they were to arrange their work systems and practices to avoid harm, when the conveyor was supplied.

After the hearing Mr Kevin Campbell, an inspector with HSENI’s Major Investigation Team said, “It is essential that designers and manufacturers perform all necessary calculations and tests to ensure machines are safe to be used.  It is also important that any structural alterations to machines are carefully planned and where necessary advice taken from engineers.  All companies must ensure that dangers are realised and proper measures implemented to ensure a safe environment for their workers.”

Amek Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Article 7(1) (a) of the Health and Safety at Work Order (NI) 1978, and were fined £5,000 and ordered to pay two thirds of the costs.

Emerald Isle Reprocessing Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(1)(a) of The Management of Health and Safety At Work Regulations (NI) 2000, and were fined £1,500 and ordered to pay one third of the costs.

Article from HSENI Press Release.