Food packaging manufacturer fined £3,500 after worker's finger is amputated

HSE/NE/218/09 9 June 2009

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning employers not to neglect their duties after a worker suffered a serious injury to his hand at a Gateshead plastics firm.

HFW Plastics Limited, of Albany Road, Gateshead was today (28 April) fined £3,500 and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs after it pleaded guilty to a breach of health and safety legislation at Gateshead Magistrates Court.

The incident took place at the company's factory on 3 June 2007, when a member of staff had the little finger of his right hand amputated while clearing a jammed tray from the stacking station of a thermoforming machine used to produce plastic food trays.

HSE Inspector Zoe Feather said: "During production, blockages and jams often occur in machinery leading to a high number of accidents in the workplace, when employees attempt to clear them themselves.

"Employers who operate machinery are required to establish how this work can be undertaken safely. They must also put in place adequate safeguards and safe working practices to ensure employees are not exposed to dangerous parts of machinery."

Notes to editors

1. In relation to the incident on 3 June 2007, HFW Plastics Limited was charged with contravening: Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974, in that they failed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of their employees, whilst clearing tray jams from the stacking stations of KMD type thermoforming machines.

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

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