Company Fined after Worker Suffers Full Thickness Burns
A company that manufacture domestic cleaning products has been fined following an incident in which an employee suffered serious burns to his hand.
On 11 March 2015, a worker was operating a shrink wrap machine when he removed the guard of the machine in order to rethread the film. Derby Magistrates’ Court heard how the sealing bar then triggered and came down on the worker’s hand, causing full thickness burns to the wrist and palm of his right hand.
Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was found that it was not unusual for workers to remove the guard to the machine in order to gain access when rethreading the shrink wrap. This meant that access was then available to the sealing bar whilst the machine was still in operation.
After pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), Dri-Pak Limited, of Furnace Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, was fined a total of £6,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £1,075.
Edward Walker, HSE inspector, said following the hearing:
“Companies need to review guarding standards to ensure that they are appropriate to protect employees, taking into account actual working practices and benchmark against relevant standards.”
Injury at Work – Expert Advice
If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email .
Source: Health & Safety Executive
