The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted three companies after an employee was paralysed in an accident at the Shell oil refinery in Cheshire.

In February 2007, Stephen Rizzotti was working on a refurbishment project at the plant for the company SG Blair and Co Ltd – now called Dalprop Ltd. The company had been contracted to remove the concrete lining of an area known as the ‘cracker’ unit, where crude oil is turned into different chemical components.

 
Father-of-three Mr Rizzotti, 42, was critically injured when a container carrying 500kg of waste materials fell 30 feet and landed on top of him. He sustained a broken back and also broke both legs and his pelvis, as well as suffering other injuries. He was left paralysed from the waist down and now has to use a wheelchair.

Mr Rizzotti had joined SG Blair and Co Ltd in 1991, working as a labourer. He had advanced through the company to become the human resources manager – and before the accident, used to run two junior football clubs. Mr Rizzotti is reportedly now trying to rebuild his life, however.

On Monday (04/01/10) at Warrington Crown Court, The HSE prosecuted three companies in relation to the accident, which took place at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex near Ellesmere Port.

Shell UK Oil Products Ltd, Dalprop Ltd and Hertel UK Ltd were together fined a total of £283,332.

Shell UK Oil Products and Dalprop pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 8(1)(c) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Shell was fined £116,666 with costs of £16,204. Dalprop Ltd was fined £83,333, with costs of £11,115.

Hertel UK had installed the scaffolding and platforms used for the project, including the boards around the lifting equipment, which became dislodged, causing the container carrying waste materials to fall. The company pleaded guilty to contravening Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £83,333, with costs of £16,204. 

After the hearing, HSE inspector Alan Graham said that the accident had been ‘totally avoidable’ and had had a ‘devastating impact’ on Mr Rizzotti and his family.

‘The scaffolding should have been constructed so that the lifting equipment was away from areas where people had to walk,’ said Mr Graham. ‘The landing area should also have been suitably protected.

‘This case clearly demonstrates why it’s so important for companies to put the safety of their employees first.’

Mr Rizzotti said:

‘I can’t remember anything about what happened. Half-a-dozen people had gone into the building before me – but then, as I went in, the waste materials fell on top of me.

‘It was touch and go at first, but thanks to the doctors I survived. Now I have to get on with my life in a wheelchair,’ Mr Rizzotti added.

‘I have a simple message for all companies – safety has to be paramount.’

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