Fife Council Fined for Gas Leak
Posted: May 5, 2014
Posted in: Public Place Accidents
A gas leak that put workers and the public at risk has resulted in Fife Council being fined £24,000. Homes, businesses and a primary school had to be evacuated when Council employees carrying out drainage works struck an underground gas pipe in 2010.
No one was injured, and no damage was caused to property. However, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the public were put at risk of injury or death by an easily preventable incident that resulted in tonnes of gas being released. HSE Inspector Mac Young, said:
“This incident was both entirely foreseeable and easily preventable. Fife Council’s failures all related to inadequate risk assessment, lack of safe systems of work and a breakdown principally of the supervision of those employees involved…
“Thankfully, no-one was injured, nor was there any damage to property. That, however, is down more to luck than judgement.”
The Council pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Dunfermline Sheriff Court last week.
Have you been injured in a public place in Aberdeen?
If you’ve suffered a personal injury from an accident in a public place, such as a school, we can help you claim public liability compensation. Claim today on a no win, no fee* basis by calling 01224 980 625 or by using our contact form. We offer no obligation advice, so there’s nothing to lose by investigating your claim.
« Accident that crushed worker’s legs leads to £10,000 fine
Inspectors concerned about hospital standards »
