Fatal Incident While Repairing Industrial Door at Workplace
A man sustained fatal injuries while attempting to repair a door at his workplace in an incident described as "entirely avoidable" by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Anthony Webb, aged 59, was repairing an industrial overhead door at the advertising printing company where he was employed in Cardiff on 5 September 2022. During the repair, he suffered "catastrophic" injuries and died the following day.
The HSE highlighted that maintenance of industrial doors is a "high-risk" task requiring "specialist equipment" and stated that the company had "failed to recognise those risks".
Anthony's employer, GNW 2023 Realisations Limited, was fined £400,000 for breaches of health and safety regulations.
Family Reaction
Anthony's wife, Ewelina, expressed the profound impact of her husband's death, describing it as "still very raw."
"I feel like I am on a rollercoaster. I still find it difficult to talk about Tony without breaking down crying," she said.
Details of the Incident
According to the HSE, Anthony was attempting to re-tension electrically-operated sectional overhead doors at the site using an industrial wrench when the tool slipped.
The spring unwound uncontrollably, causing the wrench to be ejected and strike him, resulting in "catastrophic" injuries.
An investigation by the HSE revealed that the company had failed to maintain the doors properly, despite two prior incidents involving door failures that had caused injuries to employees.
The company had not implemented routine inspections or preventative maintenance programs. Furthermore, Anthony had been repeatedly allowed to carry out repairs despite lacking suitable training for such work.
The HSE also noted that the company had not conducted a proper risk assessment, failed to establish a safe system of work, and did not provide appropriate tools and equipment.
Remembering Anthony Webb
In a victim impact statement, Ewelina shared insights into her husband's character and their relationship.
"Tony liked fixing and repairing things for friends and neighbours. He was a cheeky chap, everyone loved him," she said.
"I still meet up with Tony's friends who are my friends also. I find it difficult when we talk about things and Tony isn't there to experience it.
Every day when I wake up it is like a cloud hanging over me. Some days I just cry without knowing I am going to."
HSE Statement and Legal Outcome
HSE inspector Georgina Bennett commented on the incident:
"This incident was entirely avoidable. The maintenance of industrial doors is a high-risk activity involving stored energy within door springs; it requires specialist equipment and should only be carried out by people who are properly trained.
This company failed to recognise those risks, and despite two previous incidents involving overhead doors, had not carried out regular maintenance to detect and deal with the deterioration in their condition.
Were it not for these failures, Tony Webb's death could have been prevented. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones as they mourn his loss."
GNW 2023 Realisations Limited was fined £400,000 and ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £17,854 in costs at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court on 17 June 2026.
