An investigation into an accident at Dungeness B Power Station on Romney Marsh, in which a man suffered serious leg injuries at the plant, has reported back.
The incident occurred in March as a team from XPO Transport Solutions UK Ltd was moving a vending machine down a staircase when it fell and seriously injured one of the workers. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) launched an investigation and issued an improvement notice to XPO Transport Solutions UK Ltd. The ONR found that the equipment used to move the machine was unsuitable for the task and led to the accident. The company has been ordered to take corrective action by December 2, 2024.
While the incident did not pose a risk to nuclear safety, it highlighted the importance of adhering to strict health and safety regulations, even in seemingly routine tasks.
Mike Webb, ONR’s Superintending Inspector for Operating Facilities, said:
“Our investigation found that the equipment, a stair climber, selected by XPO Transport Solutions UK Ltd to remove the vending machine from the building at the site was not suitable for this particular working environment.
“This presented additional health and safety risks for employees due to the use of this equipment on a staircase with limited space, resulting in the injury to the worker.
“We will engage with XPO Transport Solutions UK Ltd during the period of the improvement notice to ensure positive progress is made to address the shortfall.”
ONR issued the improvement notice to XPO Transport Solutions UK Ltd under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2(1) The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 4(2).