A specialist cleaning contractor has been fined £120,000 after a 17-year-old worker was seriously injured at the company's premises in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.

Denholm MacNamee Limited, which provides support services to the oil, gas and utilities industries, was prosecuted after admitting safety failings in relation to the incident on 14 August 2015.

Aberdeen Sherriff Court heard that teenage worker Michael Paul Mark Mclean was found seriously injured at the company's premises after carrying out the task of ultra-high pressure blasting and painting of a cable spooler machine.

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An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company failed to manage the risks to the health and safety of Michael in his special capacity as a young person at work and in relation to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all the employees who were engaged in the task.

Denholm MacNamee Limited of Souterford Avenue, Inverurie Business Park, Inverurie pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Speaking after the hearing HSE principal inspector, Niall Miller said: "The failures of Denholm MacNamee Limited put Michael McLean and other employees at a greater risk of injury.

"This conviction highlights the need for effective risk management particularly when those involved in the work activity are young or otherwise vulnerable. Employers must ensure that they consider the capacity of their workforce and provide appropriate levels of control to prevent risk occurring."

(LM/MH)