In Court
Employee suffered serious burns attempting to light a gas burner

A company that produces metal sheet components has been fined after a worker suffered burns to his face, ears and head.
On 12 September 2016, an employee of Mettech (Hereford) Limited sustained burns when attempting to light a gas burner present within a powder coating oven.
The HSE’s investigation found the gas oven involved did not meet current health and safety standards because it did not have a flame failure device to prevent the accumulation of unlit gas within the oven. And the gas oven had not been adequately maintained or inspected by a person competent in gas safety. The company also failed to ensure that their employees followed a safe system of work.
Mettech (Hereford) Limited of Folbigg Court, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £20,000 with costs of £2,685.45.
After the hearing HSE Inspector Sarah Reilly commented: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Companies need to be made aware that they employ people who are competent in gas safety matters to inspect and maintain their gas oven appliances and to ensure that employees are properly trained to light gas ovens.”
The Safety Conversation Podcast: Listen now!
The Safety Conversation with SHP (previously the Safety and Health Podcast) aims to bring you the latest news, insights and legislation updates in the form of interviews, discussions and panel debates from leading figures within the profession.
Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, subscribe and join the conversation today!
Employee suffered serious burns attempting to light a gas burner
A company that produces metal sheet components has been fined after a worker suffered burns to his face, ears and head.
Alison Fava
SHP - Health and Safety News, Legislation, PPE, CPD and Resources Related Topics
Fine for company after worker fell to his death from church steeple
Company fined £800k after worker dies at wind farm construction site
Council fined after employees exposed to risks from vibrating tools