Bakery prosecuted after employee loses part of finger

Kevin Norman was working at the company’s production site in Henfield, West Sussex, on 20 December 2023, when he reached into the dough divider to remove a piece of dough that was stuck. The 64-year old’s finger got caught in a shear point created between the rotating drum and a transfer roller.

Despite the machine having guards and interlocks, the tunnel guard over the conveyor was too short, enabling Mr Norman to reach through it to remove the dough whilst the machine was still running, resulting in him losing part of his finger.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Truffles Bakers and Confectioners Limited had failed to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery.

Employers are required to take effective measures, such as fixed or interlocked guarding situated at sufficient distance from the danger zone, to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery. Guidance on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 is available at Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) – HSE

Truffles Bakers and Confectioners Limited pleaded guilty to a breach of Regulation 11(1) of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £12,000 and was ordered to pay £3,046 costs at a hearing at Worthing Magistrates Court on 14th April 2025.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Stephanie Hickford-Smith said: “Employers must constantly review the guarding arrangements on machines to ensure there is no access to dangerous parts. As an employer, you cannot rely solely on the presence of a guard. You must make sure it works effectively, and persons are not able to bypass it.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Tiger and supported by HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Withell.