Removing of safety guard causes injury to employee
The HSE has reported (http://press.hse.gov.uk/2016/hand-entrapment-to-worker-at-food-manufacturing-company/) that Thomas of York Ltd has been sentenced for safety breaches after a worker suffered partial de-gloving of his hand.
The worker had several fingers broken in an incident that happened in February 2015, when his hand was pulled into a pastry lid maker that had been modified to improve its operation, including removing parts of the guarding system.
When the modification was removed because it was ineffective the guards were not replaced. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and took action against Thomas of York Ltd.
The Company pleaded guilty to breaching the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, regulations 11 and 14, and was fined £6,500 with £691.45 costs.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Julian Franklin commented: “Modifying machines should always involve a reassessment of the safety of that machine. Guard checking routines should be periodically audited to ensure they remain effective.
If you are in an accident at work, it may not be at the fault of your employer, however if it could have been avoided then you may have a claim for personal injury.
We at Ringrose Law understand it can be difficult for some people to consider action against their employer, it should be remembered that they have Employer Liability Insurance for this very reason and it is a requirement of law that they have it in place.
Contact our Personal Injury Team today at Ringrose Law where we can advise you if you have a claim.