Welder crushed at Pallion Shipyard, company fined £100,000

David Vinsome, a 37-year-old welder, suffered severe injuries, including multiple rib fractures and an abdominal wall burst, after being crushed at Pallion Shipyard in Sunderland on October 18, 2022. The incident occurred when he was attempting to attach chains to an excavation bucket while a forklift operator, unaware of his position, began lifting the bucket. Vinsome spent nine days in the hospital and was bedbound for a month following the accident. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that Midland Steel Traders Ltd failed to properly plan and execute the lifting operation, leading to a £100,000 fine for the company. Vinsome expressed concerns about his future work prospects and the impact of his injuries on his daily life and parenting responsibilities. HSE inspector Matthew Dundas emphasized the critical importance of safety in lifting operations to prevent such incidents.