CCTV footage captured the moment a welder in Sunderland was subjected to a workplace accident where he suffered a crushing injury.
At Pallion Shipyard in Sunderland on the 18th of October 2022, David Vinsome was on the receiving end of an incident which left him with multiple rib fractures and internal injuries, as well as a burst abdominal wall. The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) article contains the footage in question.
Upon the conclusion of an HSE investigation regarding the incident, in which David, 37, from North Shields, was crushed between an excavation bucket and a fabrication table, Midland Steel Traders Ltd was handed down a fine of £100,000.
The incident took place as a large excavation bucket was being rotated with the use of an overhead gantry and forklift truck. As the bucket was being attached to the chains overhead, the forklift truck began lifting the bucket whilst the operator was unaware of David standing behind it.
David was crushed by it as a result and was hospitalised for nine days due to the injuries sustained.
David’s victim personal statement reads:
“When I did come home, I was in bed for about a month before I tried to get down the stairs. My partner is a NHS nurse, so she helped a lot.
“I am still suffering a lot of pain with my shoulder. I have a daughter and I cannot do the school run anymore or take her out for meals or ice cream.
“I am worried about getting back to work. I don’t know when that will be or how I will manage. I don’t think I will go back to welding.”
The HSE’s investigation determined that Midland Steel Traders Ltd hadn’t planned the manoeuvre properly or with competence, resulting in an unsafe execution which led to the incident.
The breakdown in communication between members of the team came about due to their being no safe system of work being established prior to the commencement of the job in hand.
HSE inspector Matthew Dundas said:
“Lifting operations can often put people at great risk, as well as incurring great costs when they go wrong.
“It is therefore important to properly resource, plan and organise lifting operations so they are carried out in a safe manner.
“Had that been done in this case then Mr Vinsome wouldn’t have been so seriously injured.
“HSE provides detailed guidance on lifting operations including the importance on how they should be properly resourced, planned and organised, to enable them to be carried out in a safe manner.”
Midland Steel Traders Ltd, Portobello Ind Est, Shadon Way, Chester le Street, pleaded guilty to breaching the Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The firm received a fine of £100,000 and told to pay £4,916 costs at Newcastle Magistrates Court on the 13th of February 2025.
Further reading
For some further information about accidents at work, check out this page.
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