Payout as employee’s arm is crushed in machine
A Yorkshire-based factory has landed itself in court after an employee’s arm was pulled into an unguarded conveyor belt.
What happened?
An employee of Createscape LTD, manufacturer of rubber playground surfaces, was cleaning a build-up of shredded rubber from one of the machines at the factory in Goole when his arm was pulled between the belt and a roller.
The court heard that the 27-year-old employee was inside a fenced enclosure where an interlock system was in place to protect employees from the moving machinery inside.
Despite the fact that cleaning inside the enclosure and around the conveyor belt was a regular activity at the factory, an investigation found the conveyor had not been connected to the interlock system, and could still be running if someone was inside the enclosure.
What was the outcome?
The company admitted that it had not properly assessed the risks to the staff carrying out the task, and admitted to breaching the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations. Createscape LTD was ordered to pay a total of £3,500 with £761 in costs.
HSE Inspector Dr Nicholas Tosney said about the incident:
“Fixed guarding or connecting the conveyor to
the interlock system would have prevented
the incident and the worker’s injury,
from happening.
“The dangers of conveyor belts are well recognised in industry so
there is little excuse for companies of whatever size to
expose their employees to unnecessary dangers.”
If you have been affected by an accident at work, and you would like expert advice, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email
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