Sibelco fined for assessment breach

Company prosecuted for failing to complete a suitable and sufficient rail wagon risk assessment

THE owners of a Norfolk sand quarry have been prosecuted for failing to complete a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for moving rail wagons without a locomotive.

King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court heard that during a visit to the Sibelco site, in Leziate, near King’s Lynn, in November 2010, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified that although a risk assessment had been completed, it was unclear and failed to address all the hazards associated with the activity.

Sibelco were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £10,203 in costs after admitting breaching Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Steven Gill said: ‘This prosecution underlines the importance of companies suitably assessing and controlling risks associated with workplace transport – whatever form this takes.

‘Although in this case a risk assessment had been carried out, it was not deemed to be suitable and sufficient.’