The case related to an incident on 9 February 2007 when an employee was working for Company B on a refurbishment project at the plant, owned by Company A. Company B was removing part of the concrete lining of the 'cracker' unit, where crude oil is turned into various chemical components.

The employee suffered a broken back, two broken legs, a broken pelvis and other injuries when a container carrying 500kg of waste materials fell 30 feet on top of him. The court heard that the incident was caused by the materials being suspended above a walkway.

The employee had led an active life before the incident, including running two junior football clubs. But now has to use a wheelchair and is rebuilding his life after being seriously injured at the oil refinery.

HSE Inspector Alan Graham said:

"This incident was totally avoidable and has had a devastating impact on Mr Rizzotti and his family.

The scaffolding should have been constructed so that the lifting equipment was away from areas where people had to walk. The landing area should also have been suitably protected.

This case clearly demonstrates why it's so important for companies to put the safety of their employees first."

The employee joined the contractor as a labourer in 1991 and had progressed to become the Human Resources Manager.

Company A and B pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 8(1)(c) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Company A was fined £116,666 and ordered to pay costs of £16,204, and Company B was fined £83,333 with costs of £11,115.

Company C installed the scaffolding and platforms used for the project. This included the boards around the lifting equipment, which became dislodged causing the container carrying waste materials to fall.

Company C pleaded guilty to contravening Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £83,333 and ordered to pay costs of £16,204.