Company director imprisoned after death of two workers [remove for online]
Health and Safety Executive v Simon Thomerson (2018) Luton Crown Court, July 9
Statutory reference: s.3 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc., Act 1974 (HSWA)
Simon Thomerson, the sole owner and director of Clearview Design and Construction Ltd, has been sentenced to imprisonment following the death of two workers in an explosion.
The facts
In October 2015 two workers were using thinners to remove dried carpet adhesive during the refurbishment of industrial units at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. The work had been contracted to Thomerson’s company.
The thinners were poured onto the floor. Vapour from the thinners ignited and exploded.
Two workers were killed after suffering 100 per cent burns.
Thomerson had given no serious consideration to the safe use of the thinners, despite warnings on the containers. The vapour had spread to a large area and had been ignited by one of a number of possible source.
The decision
Thomerson was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment under s.3 of HSWA. He was also ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.