Insufficient RAMS Leads to Serious Site Injury
A manufacturing company has been significantly fined after an employee was seriously injured whilst cleaning machinery.
The employee was working for a company specialising in the manufacture of stabilisers and additives used in plastic products. He severed his finger tip and suffered hand lacerations when he tried to steady himself whilst cleaning the machine. His right hand went into the unguarded rotary valve resulting in the injuries.
An investigation by the HSE found that operators were not provided with appropriate information, instruction, and training on how the line should be cleaned.
On top of this the rotary valve was not guarded and there was no isolation procedure in place for when cleaning was taking place.
The manufacturing company pleaded guilty to contravening Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,846.78