Machines still kill

HSE Press Release E004:04 - 22 January 2004

Following the latest fatal accident at a large paper baler, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to all industries of the dangers of clearing machinery blockages or carrying out running repairs without proper isolation procedures and / or interlocking.

"Machines still kill people", said James Barrett, Head of HSE's Manufacturing Sector. "Our inspectors all too regularly investigate fatal accidents. One common feature is the failure to properly isolate and lock off power before carrying out work on machines. It is really so depressing when you know that simply locking off the power before you start work could save somebody's life".

During the last three years over 40 people have died as a result of accidents in the manufacturing industry, and contact with moving machinery is the largest cause of death.

Barrett added "It's not as if the risks of moving machinery are new, people need to stop and think before they intervene on a machine. It is no good mangers implementing a power isolation and lock off procedure and assuming employees will follow it. People need to be carefully trained in the procedure and supervised closely by a competent manager. Senior management must carry out regular checks to confirm the procedures are always followed. Anything less is just not good enough and people will continue to die".

Notes to editors

1. HSE's Manufacturing Sector covers a wide range of industries, including engineering, shipbuilding and repair, motor vehicle repair, textiles, printing, wood working, paper, rubber, plastics, metals, foundries, ceramics, quarries, glass, concrete, cement, and waste recycling - in all employing around 4 million working people.

2. The numbers of fatal accidents occurring in industry are published on the HSE web site (www.hse.gov.uk/statistics). In manufacturing industry, fatal accidents have totalled 46 in 2000/2001, 47 in 2001/2002 and (provisionally) 41 in 2002/2003. Between 21% and 22% of these accidents are caused by contact with moving machinery.

3. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 impose a duty to provide and maintain suitable work equipment, to provide adequate information, instructions and training, to protect against dangerous parts, and to protect against risks while maintaining it.

4. HSE publish a variety of general and industry specific guidance - copies are available from HSE Books.

5. A new free publication targeting the paper recycling industry, "Recover Paper Safely" (INDG 392), will be launched at an event for small firms in the industry on 25 February at The Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Coventry.

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