Take care to protect workers warns HSE after quarry worker trapped in machinery

HSE/NE/207/09 1 June 2009

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is alerting employers to the dangers of failing to provide adequate protection for people after a worker tripped and became trapped in the head drum of a conveyor at a Northumberland quarry.

The warning comes after North East Concrete Limited and North East Plant Sales, of High Street, Newburn, Newcastle were fined a total of £8,333 and ordered to pay costs of £5,558 (£2,779 each), at Alnwick Magistrates' Court today (1 June). Both firms pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations. The two companies were also each ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

The incident occurred on 12 May 2008 at Calstron Quarry, Thropton, Rothbury. Michael Snaith, a quarry worker from Rothbury, tripped on a piece of metal at the top landing while checking the head drum area of the main incline conveyor. Mr Snaith fell into the belt area and his right arm was dragged into the belt mechanism up to his shoulder, where he became trapped.

HSE Inspector Bruno Porter said:

"This is a case of having inadequate guarding on very dangerous plant and increasing the risk further with a trip hazard.

"Employers and operators of plant must ensure they monitor the condition of the plant to ensure all their plant is properly guarded. In quarries and other hard environments, the machines are powerful and unforgiving. The guarding and other safety arrangements must be checked regularly to make sure workers remain protected."

Notes to editors

1. In relation to the incident on 12 May 2008, North East Concrete Limited was charged with contravening the following health and safety legislation:
   • Regulation 6 (1) of The Quarries Regulations 1999 in that they failed to ensure the necessary measures were taken to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the quarry plant was constructed, operated and maintained in such a way that persons at work can perform the work assigned to them without endangering their own health and safety - The company pleaded guilty and was fined £2,000;
   • Regulation 12 of The Quarries Regulations 1999 in that they failed to ensure a suitable inspection regime was followed as defects were not recorded and the inspection reports were not countersigned in relation to the fixed plant at Calston Quarry - The company pleaded guilty and was fined £1,333.
2. In relation to the incident on 12 May 2008, North East Plant Sales Limited was charged with contravening the following health and safety legislation:
   • Section 2 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc act 1974 in that they failed to ensure so far as was reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees by failing to check the sand and gravel plant was in fact safe to use - The company pleaded guilty and was fined £5,000.
3. Further information and guidance on working from height, is available by visiting http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/shatteredlives.htm

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Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and Pr North East