Sink manufacturer fined after worker injured

Falkirk Sheriff Court heard that, on 13 August 2017, the worker employed by Carron Phoenix Limited was asked by the operator of a machine to address an issue that had arisen at a part of the machine called the ‘tool charger’ which had become jammed, on the company site at West Carron Works in Falkirk. The tool setter entered the machine using an actuator. This allowed the safety interlock on the door to be overridden which meant the door could be opened without the machine being stopped. As soon as the jam was removed, the machine immediately restarted and a moving part struck the tool setter on the body, pinning him against the machine’s outer wall. He sustained three fractures to his pelvis.

During an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a Prohibition Notice was issued preventing any of the interlocks being overridden. An additional Improvement Notice was served requiring Carron Phoenix Ltd to develop and implement a safe system of work and to review all risk assessments.

Carron Phoenix Limited, of West Carron Works, Falkirk, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 11(1) and (2) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and was fined £16,000.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Kim Ross said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard.”