Firearms Distributor Fined £800,000 After Worker Suffers Pyrotechnic Burns
A firearms distributor was fined £800,000 after an employee suffered burns while disposing of pyrotechnic waste without risk assessments or suitable PPE.
The following is an abridgement of an article originally published by Health and Safety Executive.
Incident Summary
A 36-year-old worker sustained burns to her hands, face, and legs during the disposal of waste pyrotechnic material at a facility in Faldingworth, Lincolnshire, on 10 January 2023.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, the worker and a colleague were disposing of excess pyrotechnic composition inside a production building using a metal tray designated for destroying powders. The material contacted the hot tray and ignited unexpectedly, causing a flash fire.
Investigation Findings
A Health and Safety Executive investigation found that the firearms distributor permitted an unsafe disposal method without conducting a risk assessment or establishing a safe system of work. The disposal took place within an unlicensed part of the building, and the company was storing pyrotechnics in unauthorised areas in breach of its explosives licence.
The regulator also found that the company failed to provide suitable personal protective equipment that could have prevented or reduced the worker's injuries. While the business had an established disposal procedure complying with industry guidance, an unapproved indoor method had been used informally for several years without formal assessment or oversight.
Legal Outcome
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 7 of the Explosives Regulations 2014. At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 2 October 2026, the company was fined £800,000 and ordered to pay £10,306 in costs.
Inspector's Statement
Following the sentencing, HSE Inspector Philip Smith said:
"For a leading company such as [the company] to fail in the most basic of ways is hugely concerning. This young woman’s injuries could have easily been avoided with the implementation of safe working practices and use of the correct PPE. I hope the scale of fine handed out sends a message to industry that failing to protect workers will result in HSE taking action."
