BBC News has recently detailed a case where a food company was fined £360,000 after a 39-year-old worker lost four fingers while unblocking a machine at its Glasgow factory in August 2021. The worker’s fingers on his right hand had to be amputated after they came into contact with the blades of a mixer, resulting in the man needing to learn to do everything with his left hand.
The accident occurred when the worker inserted his hand into the machine to clear a blockage. However, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there were no fixed safety guards preventing access to the blades from the underside. Additionally, there were no interlocked guards to stop the rotating blades.
The Bristol-based firm, which produces dry seasoning mixes for the food industry, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
In a statement published by BBC News, HSE principal inspector Hazel Dobb said, “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Source: BBC News – read the full article here:
Food company fined £360,000 after worker loses four fingers
Latest HSE Enforcement Cases
In other HSE enforcement cases, an electrical transmission company was fined £240,000 after a worker was paralysed due to falling more than 30 feet while working on demolishing electricity pylons. You can read about the case here:
Electrical transmission company fined £240,000 after worker paralysed
A logistics company has also been fined £1million after an employee fell over 10 metres and sustained serious injuries, including fractures to his skull, back, pelvis, arm, wrist and ankle. You can read about the case here:
Company fined £1m as employee suffers serious injuries
Who Are The HSE?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. Their primary focus is on protecting people and places and promoting safer and healthier lives for everyone. In addition to safeguarding workers, they also aim to provide public assurance and ensure that people feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and surroundings.
Accidents at Work Solicitors Lincolnshire
There are a variety of circumstances in which an accident may occur in the workplace. At Bridge McFarland LLP, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers have encountered a range of matters in their decades of experience. No matter the nature of your accident at work, you will want to receive the compensation you deserve. Only with proper legal advice and guidance will you have the opportunity to be fully compensated and, as far as possible, be back into the position that you were in before the accident occurred.
In addition to our excellent accidents at work service, Bridge McFarland LLP can assist with head and brain injuries, agricultural accidents, shipping and dockyard accidents, fatal accidents at work, and falls from a height claims.
Speak to Bridge McFarland LLP’s team of solicitors for your claim associated with your accident at work today on 0800 987 8800.
