407HSE asks manufacturers to comply with safety standards in factories
posted on March 4th, 2009
The HSE has asked all manufacturers to ensure that necessary safety measures are adopted at sites where employees use heavy machinery. The warning was issued in light of an accident at a West Yorkshire factory. The factory where the accident took place is owned by 600 UK Ltd.
A 47 year old workman met with the accident while using a cutting tool, which did not have guards installed for protection. The accident caused a compound fracture on his arm, and he suffered from tissue, muscle and nerve damage, which has left him with permanent injuries to the arm. This happened when one of his uniform sleeves got stuck in a vertical jig borer which he was operating at that time. Although the worker attempted to free himself from the machine, his efforts were futile as the brakes of the drive failed to respond, and he was eventually rescued by his fellow workmen.
600 UK Ltd was fined £20,000, which is the maximum fine imposable for such an offence, and was also ordered to pay £5,046 costs. The hearing took place at the Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court and the company was found in non-compliance of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
After the case hearing, Geoff Fletcher, the Health and Safety Inspector reflected on the incident saying that it was extremely unfortunate that a company that manufactures heavy machinery did not observe safety precautions itself for using such machinery.
Health and safety training for staff and managers is essential in helping to avoid the costs of accidents in the workplace. Enrol your staff onto the accredited iosh course available from Workplace Law Training.