A Surrey-based building materials firm has been fined after a worker had both legs broken when he was struck by a falling 400kg metal track.

Martyn Powell, 41, from Milton Keynes was working at a site belonging to his employers, Cemex UK Materials Ltd, in Saxon Street, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, when the incident happened on 27 June 2012.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated and today (13 November) prosecuted Cemex UK Materials Ltd for safety failings at Aylesbury Crown Court.


The court heard that Mr Powell was part of a team cleaning the area around the metal skip track at the asphalt plant. The track had been lifted into the air by a hoist to allow cleaning underneath.

The hoist jammed in the raised position and as Mr Powell attempted to free it using a manual ratchet to pull down on the hoist, the hook gave way and the track suddenly fell, hitting his legs. He was in hospital for a week and unable to work for six months.

HSE's investigation found that the company had failed to adequately maintain the hoist and had not provided a safe system of work in the event of its failure.

Cemex UK Materials Ltd, of Cemex House, Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe Egham, Surrey, was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay £10,043 costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at an earlier hearing.

(CD/IT)