HSE/NW/058/07 11 April 2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today warned businesses to ensure that machinery is properly guarded. The warning comes after a 49 year old worker Douglas Moore lost the tip of his index finger when he was using a guillotine.
Agrilek Ltd of Duke Street, Barrow in Furness were fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £1,811.65 costs at Barrow Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to a breach of Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 following an incident on the 9 August 2006.
HSE Inspector Mhairi Duffy said:
"Mr Moore lost the tip of his finger in the guillotine because his employers failed to prevent access to the dangerous parts of the machine. The consequences of this incident could have been far worse. This case graphically illustrates that companies should ensure all their machinery is properly guarded for the safety of all employees."
Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states that,
"Every employer shall ensure that measures are taken in accordance with paragraph (2) which are effective:
Regional reporters should call the appropriate regional COI press office.
Issued on behalf of HSE by Government News Network North West.
Regional reporters should call the appropriate regional COI press office who act as HSE's Press Office throughout Great Britain.
