Printing company in court after worker’s injuries
A printing firm has been prosecuted after an employee’s hand was caught in machinery.
What happened?
Eiron Atkins was attempting to start a rotary textile printer at Treforest Textiles. After the third failed attempt, thinking excess water had got into the machine, he took off one of the removable metal panels on the side of the printer in an effort to let air circulate and dry the machine.
As the 51-year-old crouched down to take a better look, he slipped and his hand was dragged into the belt of the printer. He lost parts of three fingers on his right hand and had to take ten weeks off work.
An investigation into the incident found that Treforest Textiles Ltd had failed to ensure that the work was carried out safely and had not implemented a satisfactory system to ensure workers’ safety against the moving belts once the side panels had been removed.
What was the outcome?
Treforest Textiles Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, and was fined £5000 and ordered to pay costs of £1184.
HSE Inspector, Simon Breen, said
“This incident could have been entirely prevented had Treforest Textiles
adequately guarded the machinery. As a result, Mr Atkins suffered
permanent significant injuries to his right hand.
“Companies must assess the safety of their machinery and ensure that
moving parts do not endanger their workers by
putting adequate guarding in place.”
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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