Worker survives factory fireball

A court has heard how a worker from Cumbria was lucky to survive after being engulfed by a fireball at a factory. Packaging Firm Innovia Films was fined £90,000 for safety failings relating to the 2006 incident in Wigton, in which a second employee also suffered life-threatening injuries. Gordon Metcalf, 62, from Maryport, and the the second worker, who asked not to be named, were about to clean debris from a damaged fuse box when a ball of fire shot out, setting them alight. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Innovia Films following an investigation into the cause of the fire. Carlisle Crown Court heard that medics thought Mr Metcalf was unlikely to survive, after suffering 47% burns. He was in a coma for four weeks and is still undergoing treatment for his burns. He will never be able to return to work. His colleague’s injuries were less severe and he has now been able to find employment. Innovia Films Ltd, which employs 850 people at its headquarters on West Street in Wigton, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by putting workers’ lives at risk. Malcolm Underhill, Partner in IBB’s Personal Injury team, said:

“The size of the fine clearly demonstrates the very serious failings on the part of Innovia Films, which led to equally serious injuries. As a result of the prosecution, those injured are likely to succeed in a civil claim for damages, in respect of their injuries, loss of earnings, medical treatment costs and other losses arising out of the incident. These are deserving individuals and one hopes those responsible will make substantial payments to the injured.”

IBB Solicitors has built a reputation for quality of service in pursuing compensation in cases involving accident, illness or death. If you would like advice on personal injury issues, contact a member of IBB’s Personal Injury team: call us on 08456 381 381 or email PI@ibblaw.co.uk.