Workers Scalded During Steam Valve Maintenance

Brief Summary

An employer was prosecuted after two people suffered scald injuries while replacing a leaking gasket on steam pipework. The investigation found no documented risk assessment or safe system of work, isolations and lock off procedures were not used and work at height controls and supervision were lacking. The case underlines the need to plan intrusive work and verify isolations before starting.

What Was The Incident?

Two men were replacing a leaking gasket in an isolation valve on steam pipework in a boiler room. They worked from a gantry that did not give safe access to the valve, so both stepped onto the top of the boiler to reach the component. When the gasket was removed hot water was released and both were splashed, suffering scald injuries. One worker sustained 4 to 5 percent subdermal burns and the other 9 percent subdermal second degree burns. The enforcing authority found the employer had not carried out a task specific risk assessment, had not documented a safe system of work, did not use suitable isolation and lock off procedures before intrusive work, and failed to manage work at height with adequate measures, supervision and monitoring.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined 594,000. The business was ordered to pay prosecution costs of 5,834, a victim surcharge of ,000 and 6,000 in compensation to an injured worker. The sentencing took place on 4 September 2026 and all sums are to be paid by 4 January 2027.

Key Points To Consider

Risk assessments and work planning. Review and record a task specific risk assessment and method statement before intrusive work; include permits and isolation certificates and make them available to the people doing the work.

Isolation and lock off verification. Make sure isolations are applied and proved before opening equipment; use documented lock off procedures and a clear permit to work process for pressurised systems.

Access, working at height and supervision. Check that access equipment gives safe reach to the work, that the work at height plan and equipment are suitable, and that competent supervision and monitoring confirm procedures are followed.

HSE Prosecution Link