Work Experience Organisers : Case Studies

Case Studies from the HSE
With thanks to Carole Booker (HM Acting Principal Inspector of Health and Safety) Birmingham HSE for listings.

Accident Case Studies-Young people in the workplace
Here we have five case studies of accidents which happened to young male workers within the Midlands area. Of the five lads, all aged about 18, two died as a result of their injuries. Below is a summary of the five cases, you can choose the ones you want to read in detail. Hopefully, you will want to read all their stories.

Case study 1	In detail
Who:	Young male employee - aged 18 years
Job:	Metal Coating - known as galvanising, which is the process of coating metal (iron) with zinc as a protection against rust.
Injury:	Multiple burns (very serious)
How:	Exposure to hot substances (molten metal)
Reasons:	Inadequate training Failure of PPE (personal protective equipment).

Case study 2	In detail
Who:	Young male employee - aged 18 years
Job:	Construction industry.
Injury:	Fatality (he died)
How:	Struck by heavy machinery falling from a height
Reasons:	Company's poor health and safety policy and lack of commitment to health and safety matters. Lack of formal training for employees.

Case study 3	In detail
Who:	Young male - aged 18 years working for two years with his father.
Job:	General labouring on construction site
Injury:	Bruising to eye (serious injury)
How:	Struck in the eye by fragments from a hammer
Reasons:	No risk assessment had been carried out before giving the young worker appropriate tasks for his age and experience.

Case study 4	In detail
Who:	Young male employee - aged 18 years
Job:	Steel Erector
Injury:	Fractured foot
How:	Fell from a beam
Reasons:	Inadequate supervision.

Case study 5	In detail
Who:	Young male employee - aged 18 years
Job:	Warehouseman
Injury:	Fatality (he died) from head injuries
How:	Fork-lift truck overturned as he was driving it at speed
Reasons:	Inadequate supervision.