Employee sustains extensive injuries after being dragged into machine

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that a manufacturer of paper and cardboard (Amberset Limited) failed to regularly review safety measures on their machinery and equipment to ensure that access to hazardous parts was prevented. The HSE found that the safety of the paper rewinder had not been reviewed since August 1998.

If Amberset Limited had conducted safety inspections on their machinery and equipment they would have spotted that the paper rewinder was not suitably guarded and allowed access to dangerous parts at various places including the front of the rewinder where the employee was drawn into the machine by their hand between two exposed rollers.

The employee (whose name is unknown) sustained three broken bones in his shoulder, severe bruising to his entire arm and superficial damage to the head and face. The employee underwent surgery following the incident, where metal plates and pins were fitted in his shoulder and arm.

At Folkestone Magistrates Court, Amberset Limited pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 11 (1)(a) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). They were fined £2,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £2,197.65.

After the hearing, Peter Bruce (a HSE inspector) said: "Employers should regularly review the safety of their plant equipment". "Employees should be prevented from getting into a position where they can come into contact with dangerous parts of machinery". "It is fortunate that the quick action of the employee’s colleagues in stopping the machine, ensured that they were not pulled further into the machine as their injuries could have been much worse if not fatal".

Regularly reviewing machinery and equipment as part of a preventative maintenance and safety regime will reduce maintenance costs and improve workplace safety. By implementing regular equipment inspections the chance of spotting hazards and/or dangerous exposed parts are greatly increased ensuring the company can take action before it causes minor injury, serious harm or death.

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For more information on this story and others visit the HSE website.