GMK Limited, a prominent firearms distributor, has been fined £800,000 after a 36-year-old worker sustained severe burns to her hands, face, and legs at its Faldingworth site in Lincolnshire. The incident, which occurred on 10 January 2023, involved the ignition of pyrotechnic waste during an unapproved disposal process. The company was also ordered to pay £10,306 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 2 October 2026.
Company failed to risk assess pyrotechnic waste disposal
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s workplace regulator, found that GMK Limited had failed to implement a suitable risk assessment or a safe system of work for the disposal of waste pyrotechnic material. The worker was engaged in this hazardous activity within a production building when the material unexpectedly ignited upon contact with a hot metal tray, causing a sudden flash and severe injuries.
The HSE’s findings highlighted several failings by the company. Despite having an established and recognised procedure for the disposal of pyrotechnic substances, this approved method was not followed on the day of the incident. Instead, an informal and unapproved disposal method had been routinely used within the production building for several years, without proper assessment, controls, or oversight. This practice exposed workers to significant and avoidable risks.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the activity was being conducted in an area of the building that was not licensed for such operations, constituting a breach of the company’s explosives licence. GMK Limited was also found to have failed in providing the injured worker with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). The HSE concluded that had appropriate PPE been supplied and correctly utilised, the extent of the worker’s injuries could have been significantly reduced or entirely prevented.
HSE inspector Philip Smith commented on the prosecution, stating, “For a leading company such as GMK 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.”
GMK Limited, with its registered office in Fareham, Hampshire, 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. The court’s decision underscores the severe consequences for organisations that neglect their fundamental duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, particularly when dealing with highly hazardous materials. The case serves as a stark reminder to all businesses handling explosives or other dangerous substances of the critical importance of rigorous risk assessments, adherence to licensed procedures, and the provision of adequate safety measures and equipment.
This story was originally published by HSE Media Centre.
