Worker lost fingers in unguarded machine

Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 26 September 2016, the employee had been attempting to retrieve a tool when his hand was drawn into an in-running nip between two large power driven-rollers of a case maker machine, resulting in two of his fingers being severed.  

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Grahams Cartons Limited had failed to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for the machine involved in the incident and other cardboard forming machinery at the factory, and to adequately guard the machines to prevent access to dangerous parts. The company also failed to provide adequate training in a safe system of work and to supervise and monitor the work.

Grahams Cartons Limited, of Garston Quays, Blackburn Street, Liverpool pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,554.

HSE inspector Catherine Lyon said after the hearing “This case highlights how employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.

“Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working.”