Packaging firm fined £1,000 after worker injured

Date:

6 November 2009

Release No:

NE/388/09

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is highlighting the importance of managing health and safety risks effectively after a worker suffered a fractured wrist at a Gateshead packaging firm.

Integrated Packaging Ltd, of Dukesway South, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, was yesterday (5 November) fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £2,374.25 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge after pleading guilty to a breach of health and safety legislation at Gateshead Magistrates' Court.

The incident took place on 25 October 2008, when an employee was working at a Kohmann 1440 window patcher machine. The machine stamps pieces of polyester film onto pre-cut openings on cardboard cartons to create a window.

The employee reached into the machine to remove a jammed item that had become stuck on the suction table conveyor belt but his hand became caught between the suction table conveyor belt and the delivery table conveyor belt. He suffered a friction burn and fracture to his left wrist.

HSE Inspector Paul Miller said:

"Employers who require their staff to operate machinery need 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. Management has a vital role to play in keeping employees safe whilst at work."

Note to editors

1. Integrated Packaging Ltd was charged with contravening: Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 in that it failed to ensure that effective measures were taken to prevent access by employees to dangerous parts of machinery, including the in-running nip between the suction table and delivery table conveyors of the Kohmann 1440 window patcher machine, whereby they are guilty of an offence contrary to section 33(1)(c) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974

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Issued on behalf of the HSE by COI News and PR