in court
Nestlé fined after worker traps arm in machine
Nestlé UK Ltd has been sentenced for breaching health and safety regulations after an employee was dragged into a machine on the production line of their Albion Mills site in Halifax.
While observing the operation of the After Eight production machine, the technical operator placed his right hand close to a gap in the machine housing, Bradford Crown Court was told. An emery cloth held in his right hand was dragged into the machine taking his arm with it. The incident happened on on 13 February 2016.
The employee was unable to reach any of the emergency stop buttons located around the machine from the position in which he was trapped. He had to be released from the machine by paramedics. He suffered a double compound fracture to his arm, which required surgery.
The HSE’s investigation found the company had failed to prevent access to dangerous moving parts of the machine, namely an ‘in-running nip’. There was a gap large enough to allow access at a belt conveyor entry on the After Eight line.
Nestle UK Ltd of City Place Gatwick pleaded guilty to breaching Reg 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It was fined £640,000 and ordered to pay £26,234 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Jacqueline Ferguson said: “This is a tragic incident that could so easily have been avoided. The risks inherent in failures to properly guard dangerous parts of machinery are well known in industry and to Nestlé.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]
The Safety Conversation Podcast: Listen now!
The Safety Conversation with SHP (previously the Safety and Health Podcast) aims to bring you the latest news, insights and legislation updates in the form of interviews, discussions and panel debates from leading figures within the profession.Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, subscribe and join the conversation today![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="15px"][vc_btn title="Listen here!" color="success" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shponline.co.uk%2Fthe-safety-and-health-podcast%2F|target:_blank"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="91215" img_size="medium"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Nestlé fined after worker traps arm in machine
Nestlé UK Ltd has been sentenced for breaching health and safety regulations after an employee was dragged into a machine on the production line of their Albion Mills site in Halifax.
Safety & Health Practitioner
SHP - Health and Safety News, Legislation, PPE, CPD and Resources Related Topics
Car wash firm fined for failing to protect workers and the public
Creating safer forklift truck operations
Tata Chemicals fined £1.1m following man’s death