A builder has been fined by Westminster Magistrates’ Court after two workers received second degree chemical burns from working in wet concrete for more than four hours. One of the workers who received severe chemical burns to both ankles required skin grafts after the exposure.
Both labourers sustained the second degree chemical burns after working in knee deep wet concrete on a project to demolish five garages and bold two semi-detached homes. The two day long trial heard that the two workers were injured after they’d been asked to help with the concreting of a basement excavation. The wet concrete was poured into the basement and they had to manually distribute the concrete by wading through it, before the mixture set.
The firm who employed the labourers was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after their investigation found that they failed in their duty of care to ensure that they had suitable protective equipment.
It was said that one of the workers complained of severe leg pains three hours after the job. The HSE reported that he attempted to wash the concrete from his legs, however no adequate welfare facilities were available.
Both workers had to seek hospital treatment that evening after experiencing severe burning pains around their ankles and lower legs.
The building firm was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 in costs after being found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Speaking about the trial, HSE inspector James Hickman said:
“This was an entirely preventable incident that left two workers with serious and extremely painful chemical burn injuries.
“The risks associated with working with wet concrete are well known and the necessary control measures to protect workers are easily achievable. Yet they received no protection whatsoever from Mr Cinko, who showed a blatant disregard for their safety and welfare.
“He fell well short of the required standards expected of a competent principal contractor, and I hope his conviction sends a clear message to others.”
If you have been burned by chemicals at work or have suffered injury after not being provided with the right equipment, please contact our Accidents At Work team. They will be able to help you with a claim for compensation and to help with any questions you may have. Call 0800 028 2060, or ask for a free, no obligation, call back about a claim for compensation.