On March 25, 2024, Baker & Baker Products UK Limited was fined £400,000 after being found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The case, heard at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, involved a serious incident that led to an employee, Sharon Bramhall, having her left leg amputated. This article delves into the details of the case, the parties involved, and the consequences of the company’s failings.
Incident Overview
The Accident
- Date: April 22, 2022
- Location: Baker & Baker Products, Stadium Road, Bromborough, Wirral
- Victim: Sharon Bramhall, 58 years old
Sharon Bramhall was supervising four other staff members during a night shift, performing high-level cleaning tasks. Acting as a ‘banksman’ for an employee operating a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), Bramhall was struck by the MEWP as it turned 90 degrees into the warehouse, crushing her left leg.
Immediate Aftermath
- Hospitalization: Three months
- Surgeries: Nine operations, including several skin grafts
Bramhall’s injuries were severe, leading to the amputation of her left leg below the knee. She described the recovery process as “awful,” highlighting the significant impact on her life, including mobility challenges and the need to relocate her family.
Investigation and Findings
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Investigation
The HSE’s investigation revealed multiple failings by Baker & Baker Products UK Limited:
- Lack of Safe System of Work: The company did not have a suitable and sufficient safe system for escorting MEWPs from a parked position to the point of use.
- Inadequate Training: There was a failure to provide adequate information, instruction, and training for the movement of the MEWP and the role of the banksman.
- Policy Non-Adherence: The company did not follow its own policy to ensure a trained MEWP operator acted as a banksman.
Legal Proceedings
- Charges: Breaching section 2(1) and 33(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Court: Liverpool Magistrates’ Court
- Date: March 25, 2024
- Fine: £400,000
- Additional Costs: £7,266
Baker & Baker Products UK Limited pleaded guilty to the charges. The court emphasized that the incident could have been prevented if the company had adhered to proper safety protocols2.
Impact on the Victim
Sharon Bramhall’s life has been profoundly affected by the incident:
- Physical Scars: Extensive scarring on her stomach and above the stump of her amputated leg.
- Mobility Issues: Dependence on a wheelchair and inability to leave the house alone.
- Emotional and Psychological Effects: Fear and uncertainty about the future.
Conclusion
The case of Baker & Baker Products UK Limited serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of workplace safety. The substantial fine reflects the severity of the company’s failings and the devastating impact on Sharon Bramhall’s life. Employers must prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees to prevent such tragic incidents.
