The HSE has investigated a manufacturing company after two of its workers sustained serious injuries to their limbs using heavy machinery. The two incidents happened separately and both involved moving machinery. The investigations found that after the first incident, when a 26 year old employee sustained life changing injuries to his left hand (2/3 crushed) and lost his middle and ring finger when unblocking machinery, the company did not risk assess adequately or learn from this mistake and ensure the chances of the accident happening again were significantly lower. Within the next 6 months another worker, a 52 year old senior employee, lost part of a digit when his hand was caught in machinery.
The Crown Court heard how the HSE’s investigation summarised that the machinery used on the manufacturing line was not sufficiently guarded to prevent accidents and they failed to manage the risks from using moving machinery on production lines.
After pleading guilty to two counts of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 , they were fined a staggering £1.98million which was made up of £185,000 was for the initial first offence and £1.8m for the second offence. On top of this they were also accountable for costs of £22,500.
An HSE inspector said: “Guarding of dangerous parts of machinery is a fundamental of ensuring workers safety, HSE will not hesitate to hold those accountable who do not fulfil their legal obligations, especially if that results in someone receiving life changing injuries.”
Employers have a duty to comply with Health and Safety laws and regulations and provide their employees with a safe, accident free environment and if they don’t fulfill this then they are breaking the law, as well as putting you at risk. If you have an accident at work as a result then you have a right to file an injury at work claim against them.
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