West Fraser fined £1.14 million for safety breaches at Cowie plant

West Fraser (Europe) Ltd was fined over £1 million for serious health and safety breaches after two separate incidents in 2020 that resulted in significant injuries to workers at its Cowie plant. Utility operator Sean Gallagher suffered severe leg injuries when he became entangled in an unguarded auger while attempting to clear a blockage, leading to compound fractures and permanent impairment. In a separate incident, scaffolder David McMillan fell from a height of over 13 feet due to a corroded floor plate, sustaining multiple fractures and a collapsed lung. The company has faced previous fines for safety violations, including a £2 million penalty in 2022 following a fatal incident involving another employee. Following these incidents, West Fraser has implemented additional safety measures, including the installation of protective guards. The Health and Safety Executive conducted investigations into both accidents, highlighting the need for improved maintenance and safety protocols.