Factory burns incident highlights need for proper health and safety

A serious accident at a Manchester paint factory has reinforced how easily accidents can happen in industrial workplaces that do not have strictly regimented health and safety procedures in place.

Two workers at the Collyhurst factory suffered burns, one of whom had to be airlifted to Wythenshawe hospital – on the other side of Greater Manchester – for treatment in its specialist burns unit.

The victim who was airlifted had been using a floor-buffing machine in one of the factory’s spraying booths. Investigators at the scene believed the man’s legs were burnt following a flash reaction caused by the buffer.

The second victim had reportedly entered the booth to help his colleague, at which point he too suffered burns. Firefighters also treated the second man for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Health and safety in the workplace is paramount

Every employer must ensure that working environments adhere to health and safety regulations – whether the workplace in question is an industrial environment such as a paint factory, a retail space or an office. Failure to do so can often lead to serious injury claims, if not even worse consequences.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimated that there were 629,000 injuries sustained in UK workplaces throughout 2013 (as opposed to roughly 970,000 in 2003). Although the number of reported injuries in the workplace per year has decreased over the last decade, the numbers suggest that there are still many unsafe working environments in the UK.

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been the victim of an accident in the workplace, Sheldon Davidson Solicitors' team of Personal Injury Lawyers in Manchester will advise you on the best way to proceed with your claim.

Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are Personal Injury Claim specialists with expertise in settling a broad range of Personal Injury Claims, including everything from Motorcycle Accident Claims to Medical Negligence Claims, such as Care Home Claims.

We have a strong record of obtaining practical financial support and high-quality medical care for our clients. To find out more about pursuing your claim, contact our team or fill in our online claim form.