Accident prompts warning on migrant worker safety

Employers have been warned by the HSE to ensure that all workers understand safety procedures, regardless of their understanding of English, after an incident in which a Romanian worker lost his right leg.

Nicolai Danut-Puiu, employed by recycling firm Ethos Recycling (formerly known as Sweeney Environmental), was sorting waste in the loading shed when he was struck by a 20-tonne loading shovel. His right leg had to be amputated.

An HSE investigation found that there were no clearly identified walkways on site, which meant that heavy plant and pedestrians had to operate in dangerously close proximity to each other.

“With the increase of foreign workers in Britain, it is essential that companies who need their skills take care to ensure that workers fully understand what is required of them, and how to avoid risks in the workplace,” commented HSE inspector Zameer Bhunnoo. “In addition, the risks arising from the movement of vehicles in the workplace must be properly controlled. Workplace transport continues to be one of the main causes of fatal and major injuries.”