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PHW · Manufacturing and engineering · 2026-06-17

GNW 2023 Realisations Limited fined £400,000 after a worker was fatally struck by an ejected wrench

Cardiff · Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court

What happened

A worker was attempting to re-tension overhead door springs using an industrial wrench when the tool slipped, causing the spring to unwind uncontrollably. The wrench was ejected and struck him, and he died from his injuries the following day.

Injuries: Catastrophic injuries; died the following day

The breach

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

The sentence

  • Fine: £400,000
  • Costs: £17,854
HSE inspector

“This incident was entirely avoidable. The maintenance of industrial doors is a high-risk activity involving stored energy within door springs”

What would have prevented it

Work involving stored energy, such as tensioned door springs, must only be carried out by properly trained specialists with the right equipment.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Whoever is free takes the forklift. Could you show who is trained?

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Quiz

Could you show an HSE inspector who is trained on your forklifts and grinders?

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Source: HSE press release, “Everyone loved him”; Wife pays tribute to husband killed working at advertising printing company, as firm fined £400,000 for health and safety breaches