HSE/NW/058/07 11 April 2007

HSE's machinery warning after Barrow company is fined £2,500

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."

For further information

Clive Naish, Regional Information Officer
Tel: 0161 952 4517

Notes to editors

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:

• to prevent access to any dangerous part of machinery or to any rotating stock-bar; or
• to stop the movement of any dangerous part of machinery or rotating stock-bar before any part of a person enters a danger zone"

• Further information on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations1998