Workers Scalded During Steam Pipe Maintenance

Brief Summary

Two workers were scalded while replacing a leaking gasket on steam pipework. The employer failed to carry out a task specific risk assessment or to put a documented safe system of work in place. Failures in isolation and lock off procedures inadequate access for the job and weak supervision led to painful injuries and criminal prosecution.

What Was The Incident?

Two men were replacing a leaking gasket in an isolation valve on steam pipework in a boiler room. The gantry provided did not give safe access to the part of the pipework being worked on so both men stepped off the gantry and worked on top of the boiler. When the gasket was removed they were splashed with hot water from the pipework. One worker sustained about 4 to 5 per cent subdermal burns and the other sustained about 9 per cent subdermal second degree burns. The investigation found no documented risk assessment or safe system of work for the task suitable isolation and lock off procedures were not used and measures to control working at height were inadequate. Supervision and monitoring to make sure procedures were followed were also lacking.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined 594,000 and ordered to pay 5,834 in prosecution costs and a ,000 victim surcharge. The employer was also ordered to pay ,000 in compensation to one injured worker. The sentence was handed down at a magistrates court on 4 September 2026 and all sums were to be paid by 4 January 2027.

Key Points To Consider

Risk assessment and documented safe work. Review and update task specific risk assessments method statements and permits before intrusive work. Produce and sign off a written safe system of work that sets out required isolation lock off and verification steps.

Access and working at height. Confirm that planned access allows safe reach for the task use appropriate platforms or elevated work equipment and apply controls to prevent falls rather than relying on improvised arrangements.

Isolation lock off and supervision. Make sure isolation and lock off procedures are used and that their integrity is proven before work proceeds. Establish supervision and monitoring so competent staff follow the documented procedures and records are kept.

HSE Prosecution Link