Machining Company – Accident at Work
A worker has been injured at work in Dorset following an incident with unguarded machinery.
What Happened?
In a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court heard that the male employee (who does not wish to be named) had mistakenly set the machinery to operate a greater rate of revolutions than was necessary.
As a result, metal objects were ejected at high speed through the unguarded door of the lathe. These objects struck the worker and caused severe bruising – the man was unable to return to work for several weeks.
What was the Outcome?
HSE was able to establish that had the guards been in place, the speed of the machine would have been limited – meaning that the incident would have been less likely to occur.
HSE also found that safeguards had been disabled on three other machines in the factory. The company was served with Prohibition Notices (ceasing the use of the unguarded machinery with immediate effect) and an Improvement Notice (relating to monitoring safety guards)
TG Engineering Ltd, of Sterling Business Park, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Dorset, was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The company was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,369
HSE inspector Matthew Tyler commented:
“Using the interlocking guards provided with the machine would have prevented access to
dangerous parts and reduced the risk of ejection of materials and entanglement.
“The disabling of interlocks is a common failure in engineering companies
and this prosecution should serve as a reminder to the risks involved.”
If you have been affected by an accident at work, and you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email
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