Unguarded Machine Incident Leads to Fine | Health & Safety

Unguarded machine incident leads to £8k fine

Key Facts: 

• An unguarded machinery incident lead to worker breaking his arm, whilst trying to repair computer-controlled machinery.
• Several key safety failings were identified, including lack of appropriate risk assessment, lack of adequate training, and no system in place to monitor employees.
• The company were fined £8,000 and costs of £1,180.38.

The Case:

An investigation was launched by the HSE after an employee broke his arm in an incident involving an unguarded machine.

On 17 January 2014, the 49-year-old employee was trying to repair a computer-controlled machine. It started working, and his arm became caught in the unguarded machine’s internal arms. He broke his arm, and was unable to return to work for several months. He now works for a different firm.

The HSE investigation found that the use of a spare key – that was kept on top of the machine – had defeated the interlocking door system, tricking the machine into believing it was safe to operate.

They found that the machine’s associated risks had not been properly assessed. The company had not given adequate training to employees. There was no formal system in place to monitor employees.

The case was heard at Stafford Magistrates’ Court on 1 April 2015, where the company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974. They were fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,180.38.

What the HSE inspector had to say:

Speaking after the hearing the HSE Inspector Wayne Owen stated that:

“This incident was borne out of a series of failings from start to finish. The company was visited by HSE in 2010 for a routine inspection and was given advice on the safe use of its machines, advice which went unheeded. 

Key Precision Ltd did not have safe systems of work or robust monitoring procedures to ensure employees were working safely. This allowed the unsafe practice to develop of using spare keys when operating machinery. As well as the one kept on top of the machine Mr Small was repairing, there were others dotted around all over the factory. 

Causes of incidents such as this can often be attributed to poor and unsafe systems of work. It is imperative that companies give proper consideration to the risks and take action to mitigate against them.” 

What the law states:

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states:

It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees. 

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