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Are You Doing Enough to Protect Employees in High-Risk Roles? 

Ray Palmer

Workplace safety is a responsibility that goes far beyond ticking boxes for compliance. It’s about protecting lives, livelihoods, and the reputation of your business. A recent incident involving a crushed worker’s legs has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of failing to uphold health and safety standards. 

 

In January 2025, a logistics company was fined £300,000 after an 800kg pallet collapsed, causing catastrophic injuries to an employee’s legs. The investigation revealed that insufficient planning and a failure to properly assess the risks of the task were key factors in the incident.

 

HSE inspector Jane Fox said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided with the correct instruction and implementation of an agreed safe working procedure. Amber Precast Ltd left its employees to work out their own methods of completing the pallet removal task, instead of providing them with suitable training and equipment so it could be done safely every time.”

 

 

This case demonstrates the human and financial costs of neglecting safety. For the employee, the injuries are life changing. For the organisation, the fine and reputational damage serve as a stark warning to other businesses. 

 

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, every employer is required to ensure the safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their operations. Neglecting this duty can lead to legal action, as well as irreversible harm to employees. In the HSE’s words, poor safety practices “are simply not acceptable, and those who fail to protect workers will be held accountable.” 

 

Safety standards should be ingrained in every organisation’s culture, not as a reaction to a tragedy but as a proactive and ongoing effort. 

 

 

To protect workers and your business, take these actions immediately: 

 

- Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Before undertaking any task, especially high-risk activities, assess every potential hazard. Ensure the proper control measures are identified and implemented. 

 

- Effective Training: Equip employees with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely. Refresher courses should be regular, covering everything from safe equipment use to emergency protocols. 

 

- Safe Systems of Work: Formalise safety processes and ensure they’re consistently applied. Supervisors must monitor operations and intervene when safety standards aren’t met. 

 

- Maintenance and Inspection: Regular checks of tools and machinery are essential to avoid preventable accidents caused by worn-out or faulty equipment. 

 

- Creating a Safety-First Culture: Prioritise health and safety at all levels of the business. Employees must feel empowered to report potential hazards without fear of repercussions. 

 

It’s easy to think, “This could never happen to us,” but statistics and cases like this show otherwise. It only takes one overlooked risk or one rushed decision for a tragedy to occur. Beyond avoiding fines and investigations, a strong safety culture shows employees that their well-being is valued and respected, which can boost morale and productivity. 

 

At Ranmoor Health and Safety, we provide expert guidance to ensure your workplace meets and exceeds the highest safety standards. Whether you need a comprehensive risk assessment, bespoke training, or ongoing support, we’re here to help. 

 

📞 Don’t leave safety to chance. Contact Ranmoor Health and Safety today and safeguard your employees and your business.

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