Recent prosecutions: Company fined £28,000 for poor machinery practices

A manufacturing company has received a £28,000 fine for failing to protect workers from machinery risks. 

The financial penalty follows an accident that broke an employee’s right arm and hand in six places, requiring surgery and an extended recuperation period. The worker was removing debris from the bed of a radial arm drill when his hand became trapped in the machine.

The individual’s multiple fractures significantly impacted his quality of life and ongoing work prospects. He said: ‘I totally lost my independence for around two months and my wife had to do everything.

‘I don’t know what the future holds. I work a manual job with my hands, I don’t know how long I can continue to do this for.

‘I still have trouble using my hands and fingers, and sometimes I wake up and they are stiff, numb, and achy.’

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that the manufacturing business neglected to suitably assess the risks of the task and did not implement a safe system of work. The inspector warned: ‘This prosecution highlights how employers should adequately assess the risks and then ensure they have a safe system of work in place for the operation of all machinery.’

In addition to receiving a six-figure fine, the company was ordered to pay £3,616 in costs. 

Reducing machinery risks in your business 

This prosecution could have been avoided by taking simple steps to determine risks and establish safe systems of work. From fitting guards and overseeing regular maintenance to implementing compliant procedures, it’s your responsibility to protect workers from machinery hazards. 

Here are key safety measures you should consider: 

• Include machinery and safety guards in your overall risk assessment process. This should identify potential hazards, who they could harm, and which controls could prevent injury. 
• Use your risk assessment to create a safe system of work (SSOW). This should be tailored to a specific task or activity and provide clear, step-by-step guidance on safely carrying it out. 
• Implement a regular machinery maintenance programme to keep equipment in good working order. 
• Perform pre-use checks before every task to spot and fix signs of wear and tear. 
• Train workers on machinery operation and provide refresher modules when necessary.
• Take a zero-tolerance stance on tampering with or removing safety guards. Make everyone accountable – from operators to senior leaders – and regularly reinforce training messages. 
• Display signage outlining machinery hazards and the correct procedures for dealing with them. 
• Educate staff on emergency stop controls and ensure your entire team is aware of accident response procedures. 

Discuss your safety challenges with an Opus consultant

To understand your legal requirements and protect your staff from machinery hazards, talk to the Opus team. From assessing risk to advising on safe systems of work, we’ll provide specialist support to prevent incidents and financial penalties.

Get in touch on 0330 043 4015 or email hello@opus-safety.co.uk.