Three Companies Fined by Health & Safety Executive

Three companies have been fined for health and safety failings following two separate incidents at the Haverhill site of Jan Cavelle Furniture Company.

Incidents

The first incident occurred when the rotating blade of a biscuit cutter made contact with a worker’s hand as he was operating the machine. The blade cut his thumb to the bone.

In the second incident, a worker was operating an overhead router when the cutter came into contact with his hand. The employee suffered serious cuts and crush injuries to his right index finger.

HSE Investigation

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incidents on 28 February 2014 and 2 June 2014, it was found that both took place due to the operators adopting unsafe methods of working. HSE determined that the unsafe practice was due to inadequate supervision, insufficient and unsuitable risk assessments, as well as a lack of training.

Sentencing & Fines

After pleading guilty to two counts of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Jan Cavelle Furniture Company Limited, of Rookwood Way, Haverhill, Suffolk was fined £18,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £4,000.

After being found guilty of breaching two counts of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Workplace Training and Consultancy Limited, St Andrews Street South, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk was fined £22,500. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £22,500.

After pleading guilty to breaching two counts of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Leading Health and Safety Consultants Limited, of Chaplin Walk, Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk was fined £5,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £5,000.

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Source: Health & Safety Executive