Crate crushes worker at factory

A father-of-three was crushed to death when a crate of aluminium car parts fell on him at a factory, a court has heard. Melloy Limited was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the incident at its Treforest Industrial Estate site near Pontypridd. Paul Thorngate, 44, was working an overtime shift at the factory when a wire rope hoist that was suspending the crate snapped, causing it to fall on him. The shift co-ordinator suffered fatal injuries in the incident in November 2006. The HSE investigation found the firm had failed to ensure the hoist was examined by a qualified specialist after reassembly, and that a suitable risk assessment had not been carried out. It was later found the wire rope had broken after rubbing against the frame. The safety devices on the hoist were also incorrectly adjusted, according to the findings. Melloy Ltd, of Treforest Industrial Estate, admitted breaching Regulation 9(2)(b) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The company was fined £100,000 at Cardiff Crown Court and was also ordered to pay costs of £75,000. IBB Solicitors has built a reputation for quality of service in pursuing compensation in cases involving accident, illness or death, including accidents at work. If you would like advice on personal injury issues, contact a member of IBB’s Personal Injury team: call us on 08456 381381 or email pi@ibblaw.co.uk.