• The company had received previous enforcement notices on several occasions over an 11-year period 

• Employees had no access to running water or soap after sorting waste materials that could be contaminated with asbestos by hand 

• HSE guidance states employers must provide employees who are liable to interact with asbestos containing materials with suitable training

A waste and recycling company has been fined £36,000 for repeatedly failing to provide appropriate welfare facilities and asbestos awareness training for employees at a site in North Wales.  

Llandudno Magistrates’ Court heard how workers at World Care (Wales) Limited, were tasked with sorting waste and recyclable materials by hand without having facilities to wash dry themselves afterwards.  

At the World Care site, it was identified through a routine inspection that the company had failed to make warm running water and soap available to employees as well as a means to dry themselves. There had been at least one occasion where asbestos had been brought onto the site, yet they continued to not provide asbestos awareness training to employees.  

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that World Care (Wales) had received previous enforcement on several occasions over an 11–year period. On each occasion, inspectors found that the company failed to maintain the minimum health and safety standards required. These enforcement notices were in relation to welfare provisions and training. 

HSE Inspector James Benton said: “The health risks from exposure to material containing asbestos is well known yet this company wasn’t providing the appropriate facilities for workers to protect themselves.  

“Basic welfare provision is essential to ensure that employees can clean themselves at work, to help prevent exposure to harmful microorganisms. After being told of the risks, this company  repeatedly failed to provide adequate welfare facilities such as soap and running water, and failed to provide asbestos awareness training to employees.”   

World Care (Wales) Limited of Tre Marl Industrial Estate, North Wales, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £36,000 and £8,867 in costs at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on 6 July 2026. The company opted to make the payments over a 16-month period. 

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Alan Hughes and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas. 

More information

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.  
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available. 
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.  
4. Relevant guidance can be found here  The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 
5. Workers in skilled trades are at particular risk of discovering and disturbing asbestos during their work. Make sure you know what to look for, and what to do to protect yourself when you come across asbestos with our Asbestos & You quick guide for trades. 
6. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

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Dirwywyd cwmni gwastraff ac ailgylchu yng Ngogledd Cymru oherwydd diffyg cyfleusterau lles a methiannau parhaus ar y safle

• Roedd y cwmni wedi derbyn hysbysiadau gorfodi ar sawl achlysur dros gyfnod o 11 mlynedd
• Nid oedd gan weithwyr fynediad at ddŵr rhedegog na sebon ar ôl didoli deunyddiau gwastraff â llaw – deunyddiau a allai fod wedi’u halogi ag asbestos
• Mae canllawiau’r HSE yn nodi bod yn rhaid i gyflogwyr ddarparu hyfforddiant addas i weithwyr sy’n debygol o ddod i gysylltiad â deunyddiau sy’n cynnwys asbestos

Mae cwmni gwastraff ac ailgylchu wedi cael dirwy o £36,000 am fethu dro ar ôl tro â darparu cyfleusterau lles priodol ac hyfforddiant ymwybyddiaeth asbestos i weithwyr ar safle yng Ngogledd Cymru.

Clywodd Llys Ynadon Llandudno sut yr oedd gweithwyr yn World Care (Wales) Limited yn cael y dasg o ddidoli gwastraff a deunyddiau y gellir eu hailgylchu â llaw heb fod ganddynt gyfleusterau i ymolchi a sychu eu hunain wedyn.

Ar safle World Care, canfuwyd drwy archwiliad arferol fod y cwmni wedi methu â darparu dŵr rhedegog cynnes a sebon i weithwyr, yn ogystal â dull o sychu eu hunain. Bu o leiaf un achlysur lle daethpwyd ag asbestos i’r safle, ac eto parhaodd y cwmni i beidio â darparu hyfforddiant ymwybyddiaeth asbestos i weithwyr.

Canfu ymchwiliad gan yr Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch (HSE) fod World Care (Wales) wedi derbyn camau gorfodi ar sawl achlysur dros gyfnod o 11 mlynedd. Ar bob achlysur, canfu’r arolygwyr fod y cwmni wedi methu â chynnal y safonau iechyd a diogelwch lleiaf gofynnol. Roedd y rhybuddion gorfodi hyn yn ymwneud â darpariaethau lles a hyfforddiant.

Dywedodd yr Arolygydd HSE James Benton: “Mae’r risgiau iechyd sy’n deillio o ddod i gysylltiad â deunydd sy’n cynnwys asbestos yn hysbys iawn, ac eto nid oedd y cwmni hwn yn darparu’r cyfleusterau priodol i weithwyr amddiffyn eu hunain.

“Mae darpariaeth lles sylfaenol yn hanfodol i sicrhau bod gweithwyr yn gallu glanhau eu hunain yn y gwaith, er mwyn helpu i atal dod i gysylltiad â micro-organebau niweidiol. Ar ôl cael gwybod am y risgiau, methodd y cwmni hwn dro ar ôl tro â darparu cyfleusterau lles digonol, fel sebon a dŵr rhedegog, a methodd â darparu hyfforddiant ymwybyddiaeth o asbestos i weithwyr.”

Plediodd World Care (Wales) Limited, o Ystad Ddiwydiannol Tre Marl yng Ngogledd Cymru, yn euog i dorri Adran 2(1) o Ddeddf Iechyd a Diogelwch yn y Gwaith ac ati 1974. Cafodd y cwmni ddirwy o £36,000 a gorchymyn i dalu costau o £8,867 yn Llys Ynadon Llandudno ar 6 Gorffennaf 2026. Dewisodd y cwmni wneud y taliadau dros gyfnod o 16 mis.

Cafodd yr achos erlyn hwn gan yr HSE ei gyflwyno gan y cyfreithiwr gorfodi Alan Hughes a’r swyddog paragyfreithiol Lynne Thomas.

Nodiadau i Olygyddion

1. Yr Awdurdod gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch (HSE) yw rheoleiddiwr cenedlaethol Prydain ar gyfer iechyd a diogelwch yn y gweithle. Rydym wedi ymrwymo i ddiogelu pobl a lleoedd, ac i helpu pawb i fyw bywydau mwy diogel ac iachach.
2. Mae rhagor o wybodaeth am y ddeddfwriaeth y cyfeirir ati yn yr achos hwn ar gael.
3. Mae manylion pellach am ddatganiadau newyddion diweddaraf yr HSE ar gael.
4. Gellir dod o hyd i ganllawiau perthnasol yma: Rheoliadau Rheoli Asbestos 2012 a Rheoliadau’r Gweithle (Iechyd, Diogelwch a Lles) 1992.
5. Mae gweithwyr mewn crefftau medrus mewn perygl arbennig o ddod ar draws ac aflonyddu ar asbestos yn ystod eu gwaith. Sicrhewch eich bod yn gwybod beth i edrych amdano, a beth i’w wneud i amddiffyn eich hun pan fyddwch yn dod ar draws asbestos, drwy ddefnyddio ein canllaw cyflym ‘Asbestos a Chi’ ar gyfer crefftau.
6. Nid yw’r HSE yn pasio dedfrydau, yn gosod canllawiau nac yn casglu unrhyw ddirwyon a roddir. Rhaid dilyn y canllawiau dedfrydu perthnasol oni bai bod y llys yn fodlon y byddai gwneud hynny yn groes i fuddiannau cyfiawnder. Gellir dod o hyd i’r canllawiau dedfrydu ar gyfer troseddau iechyd a diogelwch

• A 12-year-old girl was injured by falling glass at Christmas lights event in Hanley in 2024.
• A snow machine fell from a window above the gift shop where members of the public were gathered.
• Emma Bridgewater Ltd was found to have failed to secure snow machine installed above public area.

Ceramics manufacturer Emma Bridgewater has been handed a £266,666 fine after a young girl was injured by falling broken glass during a Christmas lights switch-on event at its premises in Hanley.

The sentence was imposed after a Health & Safety Executive investigation found the company had failed to properly secure a snow machine which fell from a window above.

On 23 November 2024, the 12-year-old victim attended an annual Christmas lights switch-on event with her family at the Emma Bridgewater gift shop in Hanley. During the event, an artificial snow machine, which was in a window opening above the gift shop, fell out of the building and to the ground below. The machine hit a light on the way, sending a shard of broken glass towards the girl’s head, she suffered a deep cut which required hospital treatment.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Emma Bridgewater Limited had not properly assessed the risks associated with the use of the snow machine and had failed to ensure that it was properly secured to prevent it from falling out of the window, despite the manufacturer’s instructions demonstrating clearly how to safely install it.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to ensure that suitable steps are taken to prevent the fall of any material or objects where there is a risk of injury to employees or members of the public.

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 6th July 2026, Emma Bridgewater Limited of Lichfield Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 10(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £266,666 and ordered to pay costs of £4931 along with a victim surcharge of £2000.

Health & Safety Executive Inspector Rob Gidman said:

“What should have been a festive event was marred by haphazard planning which left a young girl needing hospital treatment.

“Had the positioning of the snow machine been properly planned and the machine itself been properly secured, this incident could have been avoided entirely – and it’s fortunate the victim did not sustain more serious injuries.

“Christmas gatherings are a happy occasion, but it’s vital organisers thoroughly assess the risks and put in place measures to minimise the risk of harm to the public.”

The HSE investigation was supported by Visiting Officer, Sarah Ough, and the prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Samantha Tiger.

Further Information

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here Working at height: A brief guide.
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

 

• Bricklayer fell more than two metres through an unguarded gap in a balustrade into a basement lightwell.
• No scaffolding or other protective measures were in place before employees began work.
• HSE found company failed to carry out a task-specific risk assessment or method statement for the work.

A construction company has been fined after a worker sustained life-changing injuries when he fell more than two metres while replacing steps at a residential property in Leamington Spa.

On 16 July 2024, 65-year-old Nicholas Crow, a bricklayer employed by Sibbasbridge Limited, was working at a domestic property on Binswood Avenue in Leamington Spa when he fell through a gap in a balustrade into a basement lightwell approximately 2.6 metres below.

The gap had been created the previous day when railings were removed to allow the old steps to be taken out. While helping to install new steps, Mr Crow fell through the opening and landed on the floor below.

Mr Crow suffered serious injuries, including head trauma and a stroke. He now experiences difficulty writing and holding objects, has mobility issues requiring the occasional use of a wheelchair, and has been left with speech and memory impairments.

In a victim personal statement, Nick’s wife Sarah said:

“My children feel that his best years have been taken away from him – what he worked for, for nearly 50 years of his working life. To have these taken away at such a late stage is deeply regrettable, especially as he deserves more.

“Nick was quiet, reliable, and the heart of our very close, extended family. The loss of his steadfast, constant love and support for all of us just cannot be measured.

“I experience living grief for the loss of my Nick every single day and I always will. I know Nick is grieving too – he suffers the same desolation and despair that engulf and overwhelm me on bad days. It is deeply painful to both experience and witness.”

(photos from the scene)

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Sibbasbridge Limited failed to put in place suitable and sufficient measures to prevent a fall from height. The company did not produce a task-specific risk assessment or method statement for the work, and failed to ensure that scaffolding or other protective measures were in place before employees began replacing the steps at the property.

HSE guidance states that employers must take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent falls when working at height. This includes properly planning the work, carrying out task-specific risk assessments, and putting in place physical safeguards such as scaffolding, guardrails or coverings to prevent falls.

Further guidance can be found here: Work at Height – HSE.

Sibbasbridge Limited, of 175a Evesham Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of The Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £7,638 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 29 June 2026.

HSE Inspector Zach Morris said:

“This incident was entirely preventable. Sibbasbridge failed to properly plan the works and put suitable measures in place to prevent a fall.

“Falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace injury, and companies must ensure that all work at height is properly planned, risk-assessed and carried out using appropriate control measures to protect workers. HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action against duty holders which fail to protect their employees while working at height.

“My thoughts remain with Mr Crow and his family, as he continues to live with the lasting effects of the serious injuries he sustained that day.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Edward Parton and paralegal officer Thomas Smith.

 

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

As school holidays approach, construction companies across the region are being urged to take additional precautions to keep children safe this summer.

While rare, children have tragically lost their lives, and others have been injured, after making their way on to unsecure and unsafe construction sites.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is calling on the construction industry to prevent children from accessing construction sites during the school holiday period, to stop children being injured or worse in pursuit of innocent fun and curiosity.

HSE is reminding those in control of sites that they have a duty to do everything they can to keep children out of the site and away from danger, with the following specific steps particularly relevant to child safety:

• Where necessary, to reflect the nature of the site and the surrounding area, ensure suitable perimeter fencing or hoarding is erected.
• Regularly check and review site security to ensure fencing or hoarding is maintained and kept in good order.
• Secure sites adequately when finishing work for the day.

• Barrier off or cover over excavations and pits.

• Isolate and immobilise vehicles and plant and if possible, lock them in a compound.

• Store building materials (such as pipes, manhole rings, and cement bags) so that they cannot topple or roll over.

• Remove access ladders from excavations and scaffolds.

• Lock away hazardous substances.

The school holiday period serves as a timely reminder that site security is not only a legal responsibility but a vital part of protecting local communities, especially when schools are closed and children have more free time to be outside.

HSE has a range of guidance and further information available to help manage the risks: Protecting the public

HSE’s Mike Thomas said: “Construction site managers should check their sites are secure, and in areas where children live and play, they should remain vigilant and ensure that the risks to children are properly controlled.

“Construction sites are places of work and contain numerous hazards, all of which can pose a dangerous threat to anyone entering without permission. Clients and contractors must ensure that unauthorised access onto sites is prevented, both during and outside working hours.”

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.

• Guidance referred to in this release can be found: HSG 151 – Protecting the public – your next move

• Other guidance referred to in this release can be found: CIS72 – Protecting the public: What you need to know as a busy builder

1. The relevant law in relation to unauthorised site access is set out in Regulations 13(4), 15(10) and 4(6) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
2. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available
3. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

• Maintenance worker killed while attempting to repair an industrial overhead door.
• HSE found company failed to maintain doors – despite two previous incidents – and lack of regular inspection had led to deterioration
• Employee killed found not to have been given suitable training to carry out high-risk repairs
• Company fined £400,000 after pleading guilty to health and safety offences.

An advertising printing company in Cardiff has been fined £400,000 after a maintenance worker suffered fatal injuries while attempting to repair an industrial overhead door.

On 5 September 2022, 59-year-old Anthony (“Tony”) Webb, an employee of GNW 2023 Realisations Limited, was carrying out maintenance work on an electrically operated sectional overhead door at the company’s manufacturing facility in Cardiff.

Mr Webb was attempting to re-tension the door springs using an industrial wrench when the tool slipped. The spring unwound in an uncontrolled manner, causing the wrench to be ejected and strike him. He suffered catastrophic injuries and died the following day.

In a victim personal statement, Tony’s wife Ewelina said:

“It is still very raw, and I feel like I am on a roller coaster. I still find it difficult to talk about Tony without breaking down crying.

“Tony and I were together 24/7. Tony liked fixing and repairing things for friends and neighbours. He was a cheeky chap, everyone loved him.

“I still meet up with Tony’s friends who are my friends also. I find it difficult when we talk about things and Tony isn’t there to experience it.

“Every day when I wake up it is like a cloud hanging over me. Some days I just cry without knowing I am going to.”

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had failed to adequately maintain the electrically operated sectional overhead doors at the site despite two previous incidents involving failing doors that had injured employees.

The investigation found the company had not implemented a programme of routine inspection or preventative maintenance, allowing the doors to deteriorate into a poor condition.

HSE also found that Mr Webb had repeatedly been permitted to carry out repairs to the doors despite not being suitably trained to undertake the work. The company had failed to carry out a suitable risk assessment, establish a safe system of work, or provide appropriate tools and equipment.

HSE guidance states that powered sectional overhead doors are classed as work equipment and must comply with the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Equipment must be suitable for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected by a competent person to ensure it remains safe.

Further guidance can be found here: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) – HSE.

GNW 2023 Realisations Limited, of Avenue Industrial Estate, Croescadarn Close, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The company was fined £400,000 and ordered to pay £17,854 in costs at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court on 17 June 2026.

HSE Inspector Georgina Bennett said:

“This incident was entirely avoidable. The maintenance of industrial doors is a high-risk activity involving stored energy within door springs;  it requires  specialist equipment and should only be carried out by people who are properly trained.

“This company failed to recognise those risks, and despite two previous incidents involving overhead doors, had not carried out regular maintenance to detect and deal with the deterioration in their condition.

“Were it not for these failures, Tony Webb’s death could have been prevented. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones as they mourn his loss.

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Alan Hughes.

 

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) – HSE
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

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“Roedd pawb yn ei garu”; Mae gwraig yn talu teyrnged i’w gŵr a laddwyd wrth weithio mewn cwmni argraffu hysbysebu, wrth i’r cwmni gael dirwy o £400,000 am dorri rheolau iechyd a diogelwch breaches

• Gweithiwr cynnal a chadw wedi’i ladd wrth geisio atgyweirio drws uwchben diwydiannol.
• Canfu’r HSE fod y cwmni wedi methu â chynnal a chadw drysau – er gwaethaf dau ddigwyddiad blaenorol – a bod diffyg archwilio rheolaidd wedi arwain at ddirywiad.
• Canfuwyd nad oedd y gweithiwr a oedd wedi’i ladd wedi cael hyfforddiant addas i gynnal atgyweiriadau risg uchel.
• Cafodd y cwmni ddirwy o £400,000 ar ôl pledio’n euog i droseddau iechyd a diogelwch.

Mae cwmni argraffu hysbysebu yng Nghaerdydd wedi cael dirwy o £400,000 ar ôl i weithiwr cynnal a chadw ddioddef anafiadau angheuol wrth geisio atgyweirio drws uwchben diwydiannol.

Ar 5 Medi 2022, roedd Anthony (“Tony”) Webb, 59 oed, gweithiwr i GNW 2023 Realisations Limited, yn gwneud gwaith cynnal a chadw ar ddrws uwchben adrannol a weithredir yn drydanol yng nghyfleuster gweithgynhyrchu’r cwmni yng Nghaerdydd.

Roedd Mr Webb yn ceisio ail-densiynu sbringiau’r drws gan ddefnyddio tyndro diwydiannol pan lithrodd yr offeryn. Datododd y sbring mewn modd afreolus, gan achosi i’r tyndro gael ei daflu allan a’i daro. Dioddefodd anafiadau trychinebus a bu farw’r diwrnod canlynol.

Mewn datganiad personol dioddefwr, dywedodd gwraig Tony, Ewelina:

“Mae’n dal yn amrwd iawn, ac rwy’n teimlo fel fy mod i ar ffigar-êt. Rwy’n dal yn ei chael hi’n anodd siarad am Tony heb dorri i lawr yn crio.

“Roedd Tony a minnau gyda’n gilydd 24/7. Roedd Tony yn hoffi trwsio ac atgyweirio pethau i ffrindiau a chymdogion. Roedd yn ddyn chwareus, roedd pawb yn ei garu.

“Rwy’n dal i gyfarfod â ffrindiau Tony sydd hefyd yn ffrindiau i mi. Rwy’n ei chael hi’n anodd pan rydyn ni’n siarad am bethau ac nad yw Tony yno i’w brofi.

“Bob dydd pan fyddaf yn deffro mae fel cwmwl yn hongian drosof. Rhai dyddiau rwy’n crio heb wybod fy mod i’n mynd i wneud hynny.”

Canfu ymchwiliad gan yr Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch (HSE) fod y cwmni wedi methu â chynnal a chadw’r drysau uwchben adrannol trydanol ar y safle yn ddigonol er gwaethaf dau ddigwyddiad blaenorol yn ymwneud â drysau’n methu a oedd wedi anafu cyflogeion.

Canfu’r ymchwiliad nad oedd y cwmni wedi gweithredu rhaglen o archwilio rheolaidd na chynnal a chadw ataliol, gan ganiatáu i’r drysau ddirywio i gyflwr gwael.

Canfu’r HSE hefyd fod Mr Webb wedi cael caniatâd dro ar ôl tro i wneud atgyweiriadau i’r drysau er nad oedd wedi’i hyfforddi’n addas i wneud y gwaith. Roedd y cwmni wedi methu â chynnal asesiad risg addas, sefydlu system waith ddiogel, na darparu offer a chyfarpar priodol.

Mae canllawiau’r HSE yn nodi bod drysau uwchben adrannol â phŵer yn cael eu dosbarthu fel cyfarpar gwaith a rhaid iddynt gydymffurfio â gofynion Rheoliadau Darparu a Defnyddio Cyfarpar Gwaith 1998 (PUWER). Rhaid i gyfarpar fod yn addas i’w ddefnyddio, wedi’i gynnal mewn cyflwr diogel a’i archwilio gan berson cymwys i sicrhau ei fod yn parhau i fod yn ddiogel.

Gellir dod o hyd i ganllawiau pellach yma:  Rheoliadau Darparu a Defnyddio Cyfarpar Gwaith 1998 (PUWER) – HSE.

Plediodd GNW 2023 Realisations Limited, o Ystad Ddiwydiannol Avenue, Clos Croescadarn, Caerdydd, yn euog i dorri Adran 2(1) o Ddeddf Iechyd a Diogelwch yn y Gwaith ac ati 1974 a Rheoliad 5(1) o Reoliadau Darparu a Defnyddio Cyfarpar Gwaith 1998.

Cafodd y cwmni ddirwy o £400,000 a gorchymyn i dalu £17,854 mewn costau yn Llys Ynadon Merthyr Tudful ar 17 Mehefin 2026.

Dywedodd Arolygydd yr HSE Georgina Bennett:

“Roedd modd osgoi’r digwyddiad hwn yn llwyr. Mae cynnal a chadw drysau diwydiannol yn weithgaredd risg uchel sy’n cynnwys ynni wedi’i storio mewn sbringiau drysau; mae angen offer arbenigol arno a dim ond pobl sydd wedi’u hyfforddi’n iawn ddylai ei wneud.

“Methodd y cwmni hwn â nodi’r risgiau hynny, ac er gwaethaf dau ddigwyddiad blaenorol yn ymwneud â drysau uwchben, nid oeddent wedi cynnal gwaith cynnal a chadw rheolaidd i ganfod a delio â’r dirywiad yn eu cyflwr.

“Oni bai am y methiannau hyn, gellid bod wedi atal marwolaeth Tony Webb. Mae ein meddyliau’n parhau gyda’i anwyliaid wrth iddynt alaru am ei golled.

Dygwyd yr erlyniad HSE hwn gan y cyfreithiwr gorfodi HSE Alan Hughes.

 

Nodiadau i Olygyddion

 

1. Yr Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch (HSE) yw rheoleiddiwr cenedlaethol Prydain ar gyfer iechyd a diogelwch yn y gweithle. Rydym wedi ymrwymo i amddiffyn pobl a lleoedd, a helpu pawb i fyw bywydau mwy diogel ac iachach.
2. Mae rhagor o wybodaeth am y ddeddfwriaeth y cyfeirir ati yn yr achos hwn ar gael.
3. Mae rhagor o fanylion am ddatganiadau newyddion diweddaraf yr HSE ar gael.
4. Gellir dod o hyd i ganllawiau perthnasol yma: Rheoliadau Darparu a Defnyddio Cyfarpar Gwaith 1998 (PUWER) – HSE
5. Nid yw HSE yn rhoi dedfrydau, yn gosod canllawiau nac yn casglu unrhyw ddirwyon a osodir. Rhaid dilyn canllawiau dedfrydu perthnasol oni bai bod y llys yn fodlon y byddai’n groes i fuddiannau cyfiawnder gwneud hynny. Gellir dod o hyd i’r canllawiau dedfrydu ar gyfer troseddau iechyd a diogelwch yma.

• Samson Containers Ltd left welders exposed to cancer-causing fumes without ventilation or protective equipment.
• Company failed to act on two separate HSE improvement notices issued in September 2024 and February 2025.
• Company also failed to provide health surveillance to monitor the hearing of their employees exposed to high levels of noise.

A Lancashire manufacturer of skips and metal containers has been fined £30,000 after repeatedly failing to protect its workers from carcinogenic welding fumes at its site in Thornton-Cleveleys.

Despite being served with an Enforcement Notice by HSE inspectors on two occasions, Samson Containers Ltd continued to carry out mild steel welding without adequate control measures to protect their employees. Inspectors also found the company failed to meet it duty to monitor the health of workers exposed to high levels of noise – risking long-term harm.

During a visit to the site on 29 August 2024, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors identified several issues including high-intensity welding without local exhaust ventilation (LEV), inadequate welfare facilities, and a lack of assessment of noise risk, along with other health and safety issues on site. Multiple improvement notices were served.

Inspectors returned on multiple occasions to assess compliance, but found that the company had done nothing to comply with the notices relating to welding fume control and health surveillance for noise. This failure left employees exposed to carcinogenic welding fumes and at risk of becoming seriously ill. The company also failed to provide health surveillance to monitor the hearing of their employees exposed to high levels of noise throughout the shift.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer advises that exposure to mild steel welding fumes can cause lung cancer and possibly kidney cancer in humans. To control the risk, suitable ventilation must be present. Where this ventilation does not adequately control exposure, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should be provided. Welding should not be undertaken without these control measures in place. This is applicable to welding indoors and outdoors.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Regulation 9 (1) requires employers to provide employees with health surveillance involving hearing checks where they are regularly exposed to high levels of noise or where employees are particularly at risk e.g. pre‑existing hearing loss or sensitivity to noise. Health surveillance helps employers to identify early signs of hearing damage, prevent further deterioration by prompting action, and making sure that their noise controls measures are working effectively.

The company Samson Containers Limited was found guilty at Warrington Magistrates’ Court of failing to comply with two Improvement Notices contrary to Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £4571 in costs along with a victim surcharge of £2000 on 16 June 2026.

HSE Inspector Gemma Feerick said:

“This was a company that put its workers at risk of serious, long-term health conditions because it repeatedly failed to get the basics right – even when expressly served with notices to put proper controls in place.

“These fines should send a clear message that HSE takes failure to comply with enforcement notices extremely seriously and will act against companies and individuals who fail to protect the health and safety of their employees.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Julian White and Paralegal Officer Stephen Grabe.

Further Information

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here:

• Safety Bulletin 15: HSE Guidance welding fume 2019 – GOV.UK
• Welding fume control
• L108: Controlling noise at work

5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

• Dangerous boiler installation led to gas leak which ‘could easily have caused an explosion’.
• Tenant in Birmingham property realised unregistered handyman Jaroslaw Mazan had lied about being on the Gas Safe Register.
• Unqualified gas work can lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

A self-employed handyman has been sentenced after carrying out illegal gas work on a property in Birmingham after he falsely claimed to be on the Gas Safe Register. The work resulted in several defects, including a gas leak, which inspectors from Gas Safe Register branded an ‘immediate danger to life’.

In November 2023 Jaroslaw Mazan was hired to carry out the work by the landlords of the property.  The tenant witnessed him undertaking gas work and specifically installing the boiler, and realised that Mazan had lied about being registered with Gas Safe when they could find no evidence of this on the Gas Safe Register website.

An inspector from Gas Safe Register attended the property in December 2023 to carry out an inspection of the gas work, finding an immediately dangerous gas leak on the pipework to the boiler and several other, possibly dangerous defects.

This prompted an investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which found that Jaroslaw Mazan carried out gas work without being competent to do so and without being registered on the Gas Safe Register.

HSE guidance states that only individuals who are on the Gas Safe Register should carry out gas work and that this work must be in accordance with appropriate standards. This guidance can be found here: Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances.

While in this case nobody was injured, carrying out gas work without registration is illegal and potentially extremely dangerous. Unqualified work can lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

At Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Friday 12 June, Jaroslaw Mazan pleaded guilty to breaching Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, Regulation 3(3), Mr Mazan received a 26-week suspended sentence and was ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the tenant of the property. HSE does not determine sentences, which are set by the Court.

HSE Inspector Harry Shaw said:

“This dangerous boiler fitting was a disaster waiting to happen, and the resultant gas leak could easily have caused a lethal explosion.

“The tenant did the right thing – and quite possibly saved themselves from serious harm – by checking the Gas Safe register and alerting inspectors when they realised Jaroslaw Mazan was unregistered.

“My message to anyone getting gas work carried out is simple; always use a Gas Safe-registered engineer, and if you aren’t sure of someone’s credentials, it only takes two minutes to check.”

The HSE prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds and paralegal officer Stephen Grabe.

 

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here L56 – “Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances” Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

• 18-year-old’s foot slipped into unguarded conveyor
• HSE investigation found no suitable risk assessment in place
• SRCL Limited fined £300,150

A company providing clinical waste management services has been fined after an 18-year-old employee sustained serious injuries while loading a bin conveyor.

The young man was working for SRCL Limited at its site in Oldham on 21 November 2024, when his foot slipped into an unguarded conveyor channel. He sustained several serious fractures to his right leg.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and failed to provide suitable guarding on the bin conveyor.

HSE guidance states employers must take effective measures to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery or to stop the movement of any dangerous parts of it before any part of a person enters a danger zone. This will normally be by fixed guarding, but where routine access is needed, other measures may be needed to stop the movement of dangerous parts, for example by having interlocked guards or pressure mats. Further detailed guidance on safe working with machinery is available.

SRCL Limited, of Indigo House, Sussex Avenue, Leeds, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £300,150, a victim surcharge of £2000 and ordered to pay £3931.85 in costs at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 16 June 2026.

HSE Inspector Sam Eves, said:

“A young man at the beginning of his working life was failed by this company.

“This incident could have so easily been avoided by properly assessing the risks and applying the correct control measures to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery.

“Companies should know that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski and supported by Paralegal Officer Stephen Grabe.

More information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.  
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available. 
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.  
4. Relevant guidance can be found here Safe use of work equipment. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidance L22 
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.   

• Worker suffered life-changing crush injuries to arm after being pulled into a conveyor belt.
• Contact with moving machinery is one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities in Great Britain.
• HSE investigation found that the business had failed to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery.

A Bristol-based waste and recycling business has been fined after a worker was drawn into machinery and suffered life changing-injuries.

On 27 January 2024 a worker undertaking duties at Bateman Skips Ltd waste and recycling facility in Bristol slipped and made contact with the unguarded tail-end of a conveyor belt that was carrying waste materials.

The worker was attempting to clear a blockage that had occurred on the plant when their arm was dragged into the machine causing crush injuries that resulted in bone fractures, severe lacerations to the arm, nerve damage and a fractured rib.

In a victim personal statement, the injured worker said:

“I used to enjoy riding my bike, playing darts and snooker with my sons, working on cars and I am now unable to do any of these tasks.”

“This has been the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced both physically and mentally, and I know it will continue to affect me for the rest of my life.”

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Bateman Skips Ltd failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees by failing to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery and by failing to implement a safe system of work for clearing a blockages within its waste recovery facility.

HSE guidance on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) states that if part of a machine could present a reasonably foreseeable risk of harm, that part is considered a dangerous part of machinery.

Employers must protect their employees from dangerous parts of machinery by ensuring a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk is undertaken and safeguarding arrangements are in place such as the installation of guards and the implementation of a system of work which includes isolation of the plant ahead of any maintenance or cleaning activity, clear instructions, training and adequate supervision. PUWER guidance is freely available on the HSE website: PUWER 1998: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Open learning guidance – HSE

Bateman Skips Ltd, of Broadmead Lane Industrial Estate, Bristol, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 and breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The company was fined £64,666 and ordered to pay £4,657 in costs at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 5 June 2026.

HSE Inspector Laura Artosi said:

“Workers coming into contact with moving machinery is one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities in Great Britain. Quite often, this relates to poorly guarded machines and the lack of a robust health and safety management system.

“This wholly preventable incident caused this person and their family physical and emotional pain which has been affecting their lives ever since.

“Employers have a duty to create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. In this instance, had Bateman Skips Ltd ensured guarding was installed to the tail-end of the conveyor machine and had the company implemented a safe system of work for clearing a blockage within their waste and recycling facility, this incident would not have occurred”.

This HSE prosecution was brought before the Court by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Jonathan Bambro and Paralegal Officer Gabrielle O’Sullivan.

 

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases are available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here: Safe use of work equipment – HSE;  Machinery – HSE

5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

• Joiner suffered a complete spinal cord injury after falling through an unsecured skylight opening.
• Principal contractor failed to properly plan, manage and monitor the roof work.
• Worker found by his son, the only other person present on site.

A mechanical and engineering construction company based in Manchester has been fined after a joiner suffered life-changing injuries when he fell through a skylight opening while carrying out work on a domestic property in Altrincham.

Adam Kirkpatrick had been subcontracted by JLM Solutions Limited to construct the timber frame for a new roof. On 22 November 2023, the 53-year-old was walking across a piece of plyboard that had been placed over roof light openings in the roof structure. The board had not been secured and gave way beneath him, causing him to fall from height.

Mr Kirkpatrick’s son was the only other person present on site at the time of the incident, after the rest of the workforce had left for the day. He called an ambulance, and Mr Kirkpatrick was taken to hospital, where he was found to have suffered multiple injuries including a head injury, fractured ribs, a fractured sternum and a complete spinal cord injury. He is now paralysed from the waist down.

He said: “I have worked in the construction industry since leaving school. I loved my job.

“I have always been able to provide for my family. Before the accident my wife had gone part time and we were making plans for retirement and spending more time with our grandchildren. This all changed due to the accident.

“It has gone from me being provider for the family to having to rely on other people.

“This accident has impacted my health. I have no feeling below my belly button, I suffer with severe nerve pain and have to self-catheter.

“Only for the NHS I wouldn’t be here today — they have saved my life.”

Mr Kirkpatrick’s wife Julie said: “On the day I was told that Adam would never walk again our world was turned upside down.

“Adam just loved to work. He lived for what he did and did it all for his family.

“It breaks my heart that Adam will never chase after his grandchildren again. He will never be able to play football with the boys or dance with his granddaughter. Everything my husband worked so hard for was to enjoy retirement and spend time with his grandchildren. That dream has been shattered since the accident.”

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that JLM Solutions Limited, acting as the principal contractor, failed to properly plan, manage and monitor the roof work. The company did not ensure suitable measures and equipment were in place to prevent or protect against falls from height and there was a lack of adequate site supervision during the work.

HSE guidance states that good management of health and safety in construction is crucial to the successful delivery of a construction project and principal contractors have an important role in managing the risks of construction work.

Principal contractors must plan, manage and monitor the construction phase and ensure subcontractors have effective preventative and protective measures in place, alongside appropriate supervision, Guidance on health and safety management in construction can be found here: Managing health and safety in construction. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Guidance on regulations L153

HSE also has detailed guidance on how to plan and carry out work at height safely which highlights the important of using suitable work equipment and implementing effective control measures to prevent falls available here: Health and safety in roof work.

JLM Solutions Limited, of Elliott Street, Manchester, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,850 and a victim surcharge of £2,000 at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 26 May 2026.

HSE Inspector Karen Farley said: “Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace death and serious injury. The risks are well known throughout the construction industry.

“This prosecution highlights the importance of properly managing work at height activities. Had suitable control measures been implemented, such as a safe working platform combined with appropriate supervision, this incident would not have occurred and Mr Kirkpatrick would not have sustained these significant life-changing injuries.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds and paralegal officer Benjamin Stobbart.

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here Work at height – HSE
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.