Worker Seriously Burned After Clothing Catches Fire

An employee of Batley Foundry has been burned severely after his clothes caught fire while he was using a bucket containing a paint-like solution and isopropanol - highlighting the very real need for companies to ensure that their members of staff wear flame retardant jackets and other safety equipment.

The company was subsequently fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,000 following a Health and Safety Executive investigation, which found that Batley Foundry had failed to provide the appropriate work equipment, adequate training and personal protective equipment.

John Boyle, HSE inspector, said: "A worker was left with serious injuries as a result of this incident. Had the company taken a number of simple measures prior to the work activity taking place - such as the provision of suitable work equipment, training and personal protective equipment - then it may well have been avoided."

When working with dangerous substances - those that could cause harm due to fire or explosion if not properly controlled - it's vital that you as a company know exactly what you're doing in order to avoid incidents such as this from taking place. The effects of either a fire or explosion at work can be devastating in terms of damage to property, the business community, injuries and lives lost - and it's important to remember that the majority of fires can be prevented if the proper processes and protocols are observed.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 requires companies to assess fire and explosion risks arising from their work activities involving the use of dangerous substances and to either eliminate or reduce said risks.