9 July Machinery Safety Failure leads to fatality This is another reported case of a machinery safety failure leading to a fatality. In this case, Leeds Magistrates Court heard how, on 28 February 2014, a 50-year-old employee of WE Rawson Limited leant into a packaging machine whilst attempting to free a stuck package. Whilst doing so, he became trapped between an upper and lower … Read More
6 June Lack of a Safe System of Work leads to fatal crushing In many cases, the safety of workers using potentially dangerous equipment can be achieved by the use of a suitable Safe System of Work. Conversely, the lack of a safe system of work can lead to serious (and even fatal) consequences. Unfortunately, in a recent case waste paper management company has been fined £250,000 after an employee … Read More
14 May Captive Key duplicate leads to Interlock guard bypass – Maintenance Fitter Killed A maintenance fitter died after he was trapped in a conveyor used a spare captive key (part of a safety interlock) to access a guarded enclosure and work on the machinery while it was still powered up. The use of the spare key led to the interlock guard bypass which led to the fatality. The … Read More
5 April Death at Work – Fine of £1.4 Million Tata Steel UK Limited (a steel producer) was were punished with a fine of £1.4 Million in February 2018 after the death at work of a 26-year-old maintenance electrician [TS]. Hull Crown Court heard how, on 23 April 2010, TS (an employee of Tata Steel) was examining a crane as part of his inspection duties … Read More
27 March Machinery Guarding Fine Machinery Guarding is an important control measure to prevent injury to workers using conveyors and other similar equipment. This case is yet another severe injury arising from inadequate guarding and predictable human actions (trying to clear a blockage). Mason Animal Feeds Ltd (based in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland) has been fined £120,000 at Newry Crown … Read More
27 September Surprise safety inspections for the waste industry The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned the waste industry that it can expect unannounced safety inspections at sites from 02 October. This warning came after the HSE advised businesses in the waste and recycling industry that “they must pay closer attention” to how they manage workplace risk. It is part of a “proactive … Read More
25 August Life changing injuries A 21-year-old worker has been left with life changing injuries, and the Company has been fined. Devonshire based textile company Heathcoat Fabrics Limited has been fined after a 21-year old employee suffered life changing injuries (to his hand). In August 2014, AS was preparing a piece of machinery for the next shift. During this operation, his … Read More
18 August HSE are very active on Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) I have been approached recently by a few engineering companies as a result of HSE actions. In line with the HSE inspection regime, these are now more focused on Health Issues instead of the more traditional safety issues, such as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), Noise, inhalation of hazardous fumes and dust. In addition to these … Read More
10 July £1,000,000 fine for Nottinghamshire County Council Nottingham Crown Court heard that on 01 June 2015 a disabled 71-year-old man suffered bruising and injuries to his arms, legs and head from the incident involving Council Workers. The court heard that council employees were collecting branches (which were to be burned) from Rufford Park, transporting them using a tractor mounted grab attachment. During this process, … Read More
4 July Conveyor Safety – Agency Worker Injured Breadmakers Warburtons Ltd has been fined £1.9 million after an agency worker was injured when his arm got trapped against a running conveyor belt. The Crown Court in Nottingham heard how on 4 August 2015 the agency worker was cleaning parts of the bread line when his arm got trapped leaving him with friction burns which … Read More