British company fined thousands over Health and Safety breach in Omagh

by Gráinne Connolly

Vertase FLI limited, a company based in Bristol was fined £6,000 plus costs of £1,033 for one health and safety breach. 

Back in May 2015, the company was contracted to carry out a land remediation project at Gortin's mining site. 

The work involves welding a lot of large rolls of lining membrane together on reclaimed land. 

The breach came about following an injury of an employee while unloading the lining membrane from a lorry. 

Whilst the rolls off membrane were being transported, the straps must have come loose - which are supposed to keep them secure for safety reasons. 

One of the membranes weighing around 1 tonne, fell on the employee when trying to unload it, causing serious injuries. 

Anne Cassidy, an inspector with HSENI's major investigation team released a statement saying:

“Every employer must ensure that lifting operations involving lifting equipment are properly planned by a competent person, supervised and carried out in a safe manner. 

The dangers of a load moving in transit are well recognised and employers must ensure that all lifting operations are carried out without risk to those in the area.”

Information on workplace Health and Safety is provided on the HSENI website www.hseni.gov.uk