The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a family-owned Norfolk farming company, after an employee died at its grain storage facility.
On 9 July 2014, Arthur Mason, 21, took turns with a colleague to undertake cleaning work inside grain bins at Hall Farm, Fincham, near Kings Lynn – which was run by Maurice Mason Ltd.
Arthur Mason was standing directly on the stored grain using a broom to clean down the exposed inner surfaces of the bin. While working, he wore a harness fitted with a fall-arrest lanyard, which was secured to a fixed ladder inside the bin.
However, he began to sink into the grain, which was emptying slowly through a small opening at the bottom of the bin several feet below its surface. The court heard that any such movement or cavity in grain might be enough to create a “quicksand” effect.
The motion of the grain sinking caused the fall-arrest component of the lanyard to unravel and extend, causing Mr Mason to sink deeper into the grain. After alerting colleagues – who tried to assist – he swiftly became engulfed in the grain and subsequently drowned, despite rescue efforts by farm workers and emergency services.
An investigation by Health and Safety Executive found that the employer of the deceased – Maurice Mason Ltd – had failed to adequately identify and manage the deadly risks associated with cleaning grain stores.
There was no safe system of work in place for the task – nor had anyone involved been provided with suitable training in how to complete the task safely.
At Norwich Crown Court, Maurice Mason Ltd of Hall Farm, Fincham, Kings Lynn in Norfolk pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The company was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £22,000.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Paul Unwin, said:
“This tragic incident led to the avoidable death of a young man – this death could easily have been prevented if his employer had acted to identify and manage the risks involved and to put a safe system of work in place.
“There should be little need for anyone to enter such grain bins, as it may be reasonably practicable to clean them remotely from outside.
“The dangers associated with grain storage are well known – and a wealth of advice and guidance is freely available from HSE and other organisations.”
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