Sharon Bramhall was working at Baker & Baker Products in Bromborough when a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) hit her, leading to the amputation of her left leg below the knee. Baker and Baker Products, a baked goods manufacturing company, was fined £400,000 due to this workplace accident. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred while Sharon was supervising four staff members during a night shift in April 2022. The company failed to have a suitable and sufficient safe work system in place for escorting MEWPs, leading to the tragic outcome for Sharon. The court heard Sharon express her gratitude for surviving the incident, stating that it could have been worse.
Sharon Bramhall had nine operations and spent three months in the hospital following the workplace accident. Her left leg was severely damaged, with multiple skin grafts required. The recovery process was difficult, and she continues to experience blistering on her stump and relies on a wheelchair to move around. Sharon expressed her fears about the future and the impact the accident has had on her life, including having to relocate her family due to her new limitations. The Health and Safety Executive’s investigation revealed several failings by Baker & Baker Products, including a lack of proper training and safety procedures for handling MEWPs. If these measures had been followed, Sharon’s injuries could have been prevented.
The Health and Safety Executive brought a prosecution against Baker & Baker Products for breaching safety regulations, resulting in a £400,000 fine and additional costs. The company pleaded guilty to not having suitable systems in place for escorting MEWPs and failing to provide adequate training for employees. The inspector emphasized the importance of keeping people and vehicles separate in the workplace to prevent serious injuries like the one suffered by Sharon. The prosecution highlighted the consequences of overlooking safety protocols and the impact it can have on employees’ lives. The company’s negligence led to the tragic loss of Sharon’s limb and will affect her for the rest of her life.
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The workplace accident involving Sharon Bramhall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety and adherence to regulations to prevent life-altering injuries. The incident highlights the necessity of proper training for handling equipment like MEWPs and implementing effective safety protocols to protect employees. Sharon’s story underscores the far-reaching consequences of negligence in the workplace and the need for companies to prioritize employee safety above all else. The legal proceedings and fines against Baker & Baker Products signal the accountability that companies face when failing to provide a safe work environment for their employees.
In conclusion, Sharon Bramhall’s tragic workplace accident at Baker & Baker Products resulted in the amputation of her left leg below the knee. The company’s failure to implement adequate safety measures and provide proper training led to this devastating outcome. Sharon’s journey of recovery and the impact on her life emphasize the importance of workplace safety and the far-reaching consequences of negligence. The prosecution and fines against the company highlight the legal accountability for workplace accidents and the need for companies to prioritize employee safety. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of following safety protocols to prevent life-altering injuries and tragedies in the workplace.
