Frozen food manufacturer fined £800,000

A major frozen food manufacturer has been fined £800,000 for safety failings after an employee nearly lost his arm.

The 34 year old employee was attempting to check the condition of the head roller on a bypass conveyor. While doing this his arm became entangled in the machinery and his arm was almost severed. Although his arm was saved, he now has limited movement in his hand.

The conveyor did not have the correct guards fitted. A risk assessment of the machine by the company failed to recognise the danger.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined £800,000 with costs of £12,831.51.

Recommendations

• All machinery must be fit for purpose and not pose a safety risk
• Ensure guarding is in place where required
• Record a bespoke risk assessment for the machine
• All operators of machines must have suitable information, instruction and training and supervision until they are deemed competent to use the machine
• Read the operating manual of the machine as it will outline the instructions on how to use the machine in a safe manner
• Ensure that the machine has a pre-inspection completed before use and this is recorded
• Record a safe system of work and communicate this to operatives
• Ensure there is a planned preventative maintenance schedule in place for the upkeep of safety aspects of the machine

Doyle Clayton can support your business with providing health and safety advice and support. Please contact Sally Beck for further information.