Food Company Fined by HSE after Employee Severs Fingers

A UK based food manufacturer has been prosecuted by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) following an incident in which an employee severed two of their fingers.

Incident

Boston Magistrate’s Court heard that the employee was cleaning a mixing machine when his hand came into contact with the machine’s paddles, severing two of his fingers. The worker had also not received the necessary training required to man the machine.

The HSE told the court that the standard of the guarding surrounding the mixer did not meet the legal standards required, leading to a significant risk. However, the court heard that the standards required had long been published, were easy to comprehend and widely available to the firm.

The court heard that in 2013, it was highlighted by a supervisor at the firm that the dangerous parts to the machine could be easily accessed. The company however failed to take the action required at the time.

Sentencing & fines

After admitting breaches of Regulation 11(1) of the Provisions of Use of Work Regulations 1998 and Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Greencore Food To Go Ltd of Waldentree Lane, Spalding, Lincolnshire was fined a total of £40,000. The firm was also ordered to pay a total of costs of £1,037.

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace and you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive