On 24 June 2020, a 26-year-old groundworker employed by Kent County Surfacing Ltd was working on a new residential development in Ramsgate, Kent when a co-worker used petrol on a bonfire.

The groundworker was unaware of this and after he was instructed to light the bonfire, it engulfed him in flames as the petrol vapour ignited.

The worker suffered serious burns and underwent two skin graft operations to his left hand, left arm, left side of torso and both his legs.

An HSE investigation found the company had failed to appropriately supervise their operatives and failed to provide them with the appropriate information and instruction to ensure work was carried out without risks to health or safety.

At Folkestone Magistrates Kent County Surfacing Ltd of Deal, Kent, pleaded guilty to safety breaches and was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,333.42.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Ross Carter said: “The operative’s injuries are life changing and could have easily been fatal.

“This serious incident and devastation should have been avoided if those in control of the work provided the appropriate supervision, information and instructions to their workers.”