£200k fine after employee loses leg

Posted on Tuesday 9 December 2025

A MANUFACTURER of wood-burning stoves on the Isle of Wight has been fined £200k after an employee had his lower leg amputated following crush injuries caused when heavy metal sheets fell on him.

The man was working for A J Wells & Sons Ltd in Newport, when the incident happened on 15 August 2023. He had been moving a trolley loaded with approximately 30 pieces of sheet metal, each weighing more than 20kg, when it toppled over and fell onto his legs. His lower right leg was later amputated as a result of the injuries he sustained.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the work was not being carried out safely. Failures included the use of a trolley that was not suitable for transporting such loads, unclear routes throughout the factory for moving trolleys, and inadequate training for employees in the safe movement of heavy materials.

HSE also identified that a similar incident had occurred in November 2021, yet the task of moving heavy sheet metal had still not been adequately risk assessed. As a result, a safe system of work had not been introduced. Had appropriate changes been made following the earlier incident, this life-changing injury could have been prevented.

Employers are required to assess work activities and identify suitable measures to ensure tasks can be carried out as safely as reasonably practicable. Work equipment must be suitable for its purpose and employees must receive appropriate training. Further guidance on the Safe use of work equipment – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). can be found on HSE’s website.

A J Wells & Sons Ltd, of Bishops Way, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5WS, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £9,056 in prosecution costs at Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on 25 November 2025.

HSE inspector Nicola Pinckney said: “This is a particularly unfortunate case as lessons from a previous similar incident had not been learnt. This young man will be affected by this accident for the rest of his life and has to suffer the consequences of the company’s failings.

“I hope this case serves to highlight to the industry the importance of ensuring health and safety is taken seriously and all parts of workers’ employment are properly risk assessed, and risks are controlled.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Matt Reynolds and supported by HSE paralegal officer Farhat Basir.