An HSE investigation found that a worker had become injured due to a missing guard plate, when his hand became trapped in a magnetic separator between the conveyor belt and drive roller.
A fine of £20,000 and costs of £13,000 were issued after it was found that the guard plate had been removed several weeks earlier and not replaced as the company did not have a procedure in place to ensure the guard plate was fitted correctly. Operatives were not suitably supervised and did not have suitable training on the machinery. Kathryn Hudson, Partner and Personal Injury solicitor at Bridge McFarland said: “This is another example of an accident which could easily have been avoided by the employer ensuring that the guard plates were correctly fitted and it is very sad to see that the injured man has a lasting impairment.” “We have experience of cases at recycling plants, including injuries sustained when a worker became trapped in a conveyor belt. The injuries are usually serious and it is frustrating to hear of another injured worker whose injuries have been life changing when the accident could have so easily have been avoided.” The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 after it was accepted that the accident could have been avoided had there been some simple procedures in place. For more information see this article published by the Health and Safety Executive.
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