Effective contractor management and rigorous safety protocols are crucial in maintaining a safe workplace, as highlighted by a recent incident at Pirelli Tyres’ factory in Carlisle. On 14 November 2019, Ivan Weightman, a lift truck engineer, suffered severe injuries when two heavy metal skips fell on him, fracturing his back and leg.

The Incident and Investigation

Mr. Weightman was working on a forklift truck parked against a stack of waste tyres at Pirelli’s Dalston Road site. The stack, which had metal skips placed on top, collapsed when Mr. Weightman moved the truck. The skips fell, trapping him against the ground and causing serious injuries.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that this improvised method of stacking skips on tyres was approved by Pirelli and carried out by workers from International Rubber and Tyre Recycling Limited and DCS Multiserve Limited. The forklift truck was routinely left with the ignition key in the cab, and there was no clear responsibility for managing this activity. Consequently, no risk assessment was conducted, and no safe system of work was in place.

The Impact on Mr. Weightman

The injuries had a profound impact on Mr. Weightman’s life. He shared in his victim personal statement:

“I used to enjoy going camping, going for walks with my partner and doing a bit of DIY. I had to get rid of my tent, I couldn’t put it up. With all the pain, I struggled to do it.

I can’t go for walks like I used to. It starts to get uncomfortable and painful. I struggle coming down the stairs with my left knee. I struggle to get comfortable in bed or when sat on the sofa. My left knee gives way sometimes, like when I am carrying a heavy shopping bag.

I can’t play with my grandson, who is five, and I won’t be able to play with my great nephew when he is older.”

HSE’s Findings and Fines

Pirelli Tyres Limited, International Rubber and Tyre Recycling Limited, and DCS Multiserve Limited were all found guilty of breaching health and safety regulations. The fines imposed were as follows:

• Pirelli Tyres Limited: £280,000 and £4,703.43 in costs
• International Rubber and Tyre Recycling Limited: £9,000 and £4,566.13 in costs
• DCS Multiserve Limited: £2,600 and £15,000 in costs

HSE inspector Matthew Tinsley stated: “The fines imposed on these companies should be a warning to those responsible for the effective management of contractors and effective supervision of employees that the courts, and HSE, take a failure to follow the regulations extremely seriously. It also highlights the risks of improvised work methods using unsuitable equipment. HSE will not hesitate to take action against companies which do not do all that they should to keep people safe.”

Key Lessons for Businesses

1. Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough risk assessments for all tasks. Our Risk Assessment training can help you identify and mitigate potential hazards.
2. Contractor Management: Ensure clear responsibilities and effective supervision of contractors. Our Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management equips you with the skills to manage contractors effectively and ensure safe working practices.
3. Proper Equipment Use: Avoid improvised methods and use suitable equipment for all tasks. Develop a safe system of work to prevent accidents.
4. First Aid Preparedness: Ensure that your workplace is prepared for emergencies with trained first aiders. We offer 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work for low-risk environments and 3-day First Aid at Work courses for higher-risk settings.

Conclusion

This incident at Pirelli’s factory in Carlisle serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols and effective contractor management. At Acadame, we are dedicated to helping businesses nationwide maintain safe working environments. With training centres in Derby, Stoke, Liverpool, and Manchester, and the capability to deliver training on customer sites, we are well-equipped to meet your safety training needs.

For more information on our services and how we can help improve your workplace safety, visit our website or contact us today. Together, we can champion health and safety in every workplace.

For further details on managing health and safety at work, visit the HSE Management of Health and Safety at Work page.

Stay proactive and ensure your team is always prepared.