Personal Injury Solicitors

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a Kent tyre company, after a 21-year-old employee was killed when a tyre exploded.

Matthew Hoare from Canterbury was employed by Watling Tyre Service Limited of Swanley in Kent at the time of his death. Mr Hoare was repairing a puncture to the tyre of a dresser loading shovel, when it exploded.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that Mr Hoare was working on his own and was using inadequate work equipment, which was not properly maintained. He was also not trained or competent to undertake the work he was told to complete.

As a result of the investigation findings, HSE prosecuted the company for safety failings.

On 29 January 2016, Watling Tyre Service Limited pleaded guilty to breaches of Section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

At a subsequent hearing in June, the company was fined £1 million and ordered to pay costs of £99,485.

After sentencing, HSE Principal Inspector Mike Walters said:

“Employees need to be provided with properly maintained equipment and the correct equipment to undertake tasks while out on site.

“Employees also need to be trained and competent in the tasks they are asked to undertake.”

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Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors offer supportive legal advice to bereaved families whose loved one has lost their life through negligence or criminal injuries and who wish to make a no win no fee claim for compensation – including claims involving:

• Accidents at work
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Personal injury claims usually have to be made within three years of the date of death.

For expert and sympathetic legal advice on no win no fee Fatal Injury Claims, call Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors on 0333 772 0409.