An aircraft maintenance company in Cardiff faces severe consequences after a devastating workplace accident. British Airways Maintenance Cardiff Ltd has been fined £230,000 following an incident where a worker fell from a height during an inspection of aircraft wings at their Cardiff facility.
The victim, Iain Mawson, an employee of British Airways Maintenance Cardiff Ltd, suffered extensive injuries. The fall resulted in numerous skull fractures and a brain haemorrhage, leading to Mawson being placed in an induced coma for three weeks. This tragic incident left him with multiple fractures in his ribs, scapula, vertebrae, and collarbone, preventing him from returning to work since the accident on 10th November 2019.
The details of the case, heard at Cardiff Magistrates Court, revealed a critical lapse in safety protocols. Mr. Mawson’s fall occurred due to a gap in the guardrail of the docking platform, where safety barriers had been removed. This removal of safety barriers directly contributed to the severity of the incident.
The investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) unveiled significant shortcomings in the company’s risk assessment processes. It was determined that British Airways Maintenance Cardiff Ltd had failed to adequately analyse the risks and ensure that safety barriers were replaced after being removed. This failure to maintain essential safety measures was a clear breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
As a result of this breach, British Airways Maintenance Cardiff Ltd, headquartered at Waterside, PO Box 365 Harmondsworth UB7 0GB, was not only fined £230,000 but also ordered to pay additional costs amounting to £21,623.
In the aftermath of the hearing, HSE inspector Sara Lumley emphasized the preventability of the incident. “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices,” Lumley stated. She further reiterated the HSE’s stance on enforcement, noting, “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
The tragic incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations in the workplace. It serves as a stark reminder to all companies of the devastating consequences that can arise from neglecting essential safety measures. This case highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and thorough risk assessments to protect workers from harm and prevent such tragedies in the future.
