Pearson Hydraulics Ltd faces over £100,000 in fines following catastrophic workplace injury

A national hydraulics company, Pearson Hydraulics Ltd, based across the UK, was fined more than £100,00 after a serious workplace accident resulted in a worker losing his leg.

On July 26 2023, David Lawrence, a 63-year-old engineer, was working for Pearson Hydraulics Ltd, undertaking fault finding on a laser cutting machine, when the machine’s cutting bed fell and trapped both of his legs.

After enduring five weeks in hospital, Mr. Lawrence underwent an above-knee amputation of his right leg. Despite multiple surgeries, his left leg remains at risk of amputation, leaving him with lifelong consequences.

Health and Safety Executives (HSE) investigation

HSE Investigation reveals employer negligence and breaches of Health and Safety Regulations. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigators uncovered multiple failures by Pearson Hydraulics Ltd:

• Lack of a safe system of work: The company failed to implement a structured process for maintenance activities.
• Inadequate risk assessment: No appropriate risk assessment was conducted for the task Mr. Lawrence was assigned.
• Poor employee training: The engineer lacked adequate training in handling hydraulic systems on laser cutting machines.
• Failure to supervise work: The company left workers to determine their own methods for conducting maintenance, rather than ensuring safe procedures were followed.

Legal consequences: Pearson Hydraulics pleads guilty

On March 13, 2025, at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, Pearson Hydraulics Ltd admitted to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was ordered to pay a fine of £96,333 plus £10,701 in legal costs.

HSE inspector Emma O’Hara commented:

“This incident could so easily have been avoided with the correct risk assessment and implementation of a safe working procedure.”

Employer Liability: Can you make a workplace accident claim?

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury due to an employer’s failure to provide a safe working environment, you may be entitled to compensation under employer liability claims.

Construction site accident claims

A construction site can be a dangerous place. A lapse in concentration or the action of another employee further adds to the danger and can cause severe injury. A lot of lifting of equipment and materials can be involved, and injuries can occur if this is not done in a controlled manner.

Construction sites are busy places, with many different operatives doing different jobs. Safe organization and storage of materials, plants, and equipment are essential and, if this does not happen, all kinds of injuries can occur.

Construction sites are high-risk environments where improper safety protocols can lead to sever injuries. Employers must ensure:

• Proper lifting techniques and equipment are provided.
• Materials, machinery and tools are stored safely.
• Workers are trained and supervised to prevent accidents.

Manual handling claims

Manual handling can be dangerous if the appropriate equipment is not provided. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 set out the rules and regulations which should be adhered to. Unfortunately, there are often breaches of these regulations which can lead to accidents occurring.

Examples of where things can go wrong:

• Inadequate lifting equipment
• Insufficient staffing levels
• General lack of training

If you have been injured due to lifting, pushing, or pulling something it is important that you report your accident to your employer immediately. If possible, find out the weight of the item you were moving.

Defective work equipment

Whether you work in a factory or an office, there is always a risk that work equipment can be dangerous and cause accidents. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 set out the rules and regulations which should be adhered to.

Unfortunately, there are often breaches of these regulations which can lead to accidents.

• If machinery is not thoroughly inspected and maintained it can break down and cause safety mechanisms to fail
• If you have been injured due to faulty work equipment, it is important that you report your accident to your employer so they can investigate the cause.

Maintenance and proper use of equipment are essential to keep employees safe. A faulty piece of machinery, just a missing cog or screw, can cause the machine to fail and become extremely dangerous.

Inadequate training can also lead to employees using machines in an unsafe and incorrect manner.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 sets out the rules and regulations that should be adhered to. However, unfortunately, there are often breaches of these regulations which can lead to accidents occurring.

Common examples of this include:

• Defective goggles
• Gloves
• Footwear, which may not be adequately maintained

Sometimes the PPE provided is not suitable at all and a better product may be available and not used. In some cases, PPE is available, but training has not been provided as to how to use it.

Obtain photos of the equipment in question to show the fault.

Inadequate training claims

Accidents can happen if you have not received the appropriate training. Whilst there are different regulations that apply to the workplace regarding training, general provisions can be found in The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Common examples of accidents that have occurred due to inadequate training include:

• Injuries caused by complex work equipment
• Failure of an employer to advise about the correct personal protective equipment, and inadequate manual handling training.

Sometimes your employer may seek to blame you for the accident. However, if they have failed to train you, then you may still be entitled to compensation.

Why use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to make your Employers’ Liability or Accident at work case?

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd is an expert in Employers’ Liability cases and has over twenty years of experience in running and pursuing these cases.

We will ensure that we update you at every stage of the case and you will have a dedicated handler from the very beginning. It can be very stressful after an injury and our team can assist you by breaking down the legal jargon during the process and listening to you.

When you instruct us, you can expect a friendly, down-to-earth approach together with extensive knowledge of the field which will be used to fight tenaciously with the insurers to achieve the maximum level of compensation possible for you.

Further reading

Accidents at work – Oakwood Solicitors

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