HSE cautions factory operators over unsafe machinery
After a factory worker suffered serious injuries while working in a West Yorkshire factory, HSE has cautioned all manufacturers to comply with necessary safety standards in factory establishments.
The workman, who was 47 years of age, was working on an unguarded vertical jig borer when this incident happened. His factory uniform’s sleeve got caught in the machine and he was unable to free himself as the brakes of the drive malfunctioned. The worker suffered lasting injuries and had a compound fracture in his arm. Muscles, tissue and nerves in his arm too were badly damaged.
The factory operators, 600 UK Ltd., were fined by the Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court for the offence of not complying with Health and Safety at work etc. Act 1974. They were fined an amount of 20,000 pounds and were also asked to bear the costs.
Following the hearing, the Health and Safety Inspector, Geoff Fletcher, expressed shock and regret at the incident, stating that the incident could have been easily prevented had the factory operators observed the necessary safety precautions. What was surprising about the incident was that it occurred at the premises of a company which itself manufacture such heavy industrial machinery and hence should have been aware of the necessary precautions for operating such machines.
This case highlights the need for staff to be trained appropriately, especially if they are working with heavy industrial machinery. Enrol your staff and management onto the accredited iosh safety course available form the safety training specialists, Workplace Law Training.
