Health and Safety Consultant, Adam Williams discusses a recent case where a worker’s hand was crushed in a laminating machine. This case highlights the importance of conducting and reviewing risk assessments.
A company was fined £100,000 after their worker’s hand was crushed whilst using a laminating machine. The individual was fixing the machine when his hand got stuck causing crushing injuries. The individual received soft tissue crush injuries and nerve damage. This led to him being unable to drive and suffering from anxiety and PTSD.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), found that the laminating machine wasn’t sufficiently guarded. In addition, the company did not review their risk assessments, which detailed a safe system of work should have been created.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 that states ‘It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees’.
The company should have reviewed their risk assessments for the machine, which should have identified that a safe system of work was required to keep workers safe from harm. If they had reviewed their procedures, then the incident would not have happened. Incidents like this show how important it is to have the correct health and safety procedures in place. Your business can change over time; therefore, it is recommended that you review your risk assessments annually. As well as this, employers should also review their risk assessments if they believe that they may no longer be effective or if there has been a change in the workplace that may result in new risks. Changes include staff, a process, or the substance/equipment).
At HPC, we can act as your competent health and safety person. We can go through a full audit of the procedures within a company and conduct relevant risk assessments to ensure full compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation.
To find out more information or if you require any advice about your health and safety requirements, get in contact with our team of experts.
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