In an unfortunate accident, a West Yorkshire factory worker suffered severe injuries while operating a cutting tool not guarded appropriately. The incident happened at a factory run by 600 UK Ltd. The company owners were fined the maximum penalty by the Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court, of 20,000 GBP after they pleaded guilty for not having ensured the necessary precautions in the factory premises. They were also asked to bear the costs of about 5,000 GBP.
The incident took place when a 47 year old factory worker was working on an unguarded vertical jig borer. His overalls sleeve was caught in the cutting tool and he was unable to free himself as the brakes of the machine’s drive failed to work. The spindle continued to rotate and finally the fellow workers had to release the workman from the machine.
The worker was severely hurt and suffered from permanent damage to his arm due to multiple fractures, torn tissue, and damaged muscles and nerves.
Geoff Fletcher, Health and Safety Inspector, after the case hearing said that the accident could have been easily avoided if the guards for the machine had been in place. He also mentioned that it is a matter of great surprise that a company manufacturing such dangerous machinery, had themselves failed to observe the required safety precautions.
The HSE has issued a strict warning to all manufacturers to ensure compliance with the necessary safety measures in light of the incident.
Avoid the costly fines imposed when accidents occur, make sure your staff and managers have health and safety training such as the accredited nebosh distance learning course available from Workplace Law Training.