Company fined after worker’s hand severed in roller press

A manufacturer of thermal and acoustic insulation panels has been fined after a worker’s hand was severed in a roller press at their site in Burton-on-Trent.

Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court heard that on 7 August 2018, a worker’s hand got drawn into a roller press used for cutting out panels, along with product he was working on at Crown Industrial Estate, Anglesey Road, Burton on Trent. The press was fitted with a guard and interlocking trips which, should have prevented this incident.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the guarding on the roller press involved in the incident and two other presses at the company was inadequate and there were no checks being carried out to make sure that the guards and protective devices (interlocks) were functioning as designed. The interlock trips were not working.

Custom Insulation Ltd of Crown Industrial Estate, Anglesey Road, Burton on Trent, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety Act 1974. The company has been fined £16,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,633.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE principal inspector, Lyn Spooner said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply identifying control measures and safe working practices and having systems in place to monitor their continued effective operation.

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

Source HSE Website 19/07/2021

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