In 2004/05, 17% of all the accidents reported by the UK Printing and Publishing Industries were machinery related. 192 machinery related accidents were reported in 2004/05.
Analysis of machinery accidents in the printing and publishing industries [111kb]
show that printing presses are the most commonly implicated machine. Smaller numbers of accidents were also recorded on: conveyors; binding; cutting; and folding machinery.
The main cause of the accidents were as a result of: being drawn into the inrunning nips of rollers; contact with dangerous moving parts; or entanglement with rotating parts of the machine. The most common injuries were reported as: lacerations; cuts and bruises; fractures/dislocations; crushing injuries; and amputations. Most injuries occurred to fingers and hands.
Most accidents occurred due to unsafe interventions with the machinery. Typical activities included: freeing blockages; cleaning down; making ready; webbing up; and maintenance activities.
Up to 40% of all machinery related accidents in the Printing and Publishing Industries occur on printing presses. Three information sheets have been written to show employers what is considered to be good practice in terms of safeguards and safe systems of work for different types of printing presses. Select the press type from the list below.
Other information sheets are available on:
; 
Chapter 5 of HSE’s priced publication 'The Printers Guide to Health and Safety' 2nd Edition provides further guidance on safeguarding a range of printing and print finishing machinery.