Derbyshire paper firm fined after worker loses three fingers
10:29 - 24/05/2011
Derbyshire paper firm fined after wor...
A Derbyshire-based paper firm has been fined £15,000 and ordered to pay court costs of £3,956 after one of their employees suffered serious injuries to his hand.
David Millband, 46, was employed as a maintenance fitter by The Crimped Paper Works Limited, based in Chapel-en-le-Firth. On 16th February 2010, he lost three fingers, part of his thumb and suffered severe injuries to his little finger when his right hand became caught in a reel-fed machine.
A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered that Mr Millband had opened the door of the machine to carry out a check, but it had kept running and his fingers had become caught. Investigators found that the machine was fitted with interlocks for safety, but that these had been disabled.
Buxton Magistrate’s Court heard how Mr Millband had to undergo two bouts of surgery on his hand and was only able to return to work on light duties around four months after the accident. He was, however, later made redundant.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Fiona Coffey said: “The incident was completely preventable. The company had a legal duty to prevent access to the dangerous parts of their machinery, but provided engineers with keys which could override the interlocks. There had been a similar incident five months earlier which had resulted in lesser injuries but, while the company had purchased a new system for the interlocks, they had not made this operational by the time of the second incident.”
First Response Training offers a wide range of health and safety training courses which help employers to understand their legal duties in regards to safety in the workplace and also teaches employees about their own responsibilities.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “Every year, thousands of accidents occur at work which could have easily been prevented if health and safety guidance was followed. Such accidents can be serious and have a lasting effect, or even prove fatal, so all companies should take their duties seriously. It is important that companies understand exactly what their duties are under law, and for employees to know that they also have legal duties with regards health and safety.
Perry, who has extensive experience in health and safety management, adds: “Understanding the law and best practice is key to preventing workplace accidents. This starts with proper training. We provide training for both managers and employees, from a basic Essentials of Health and Safety course, to more in-depth Managing and Supervising Safety training to the IOSH-accredited 4-day Managing Safely training programme. We can also offer bespoke packages for your particular industry type, so please call us to discuss your requirements and found out about the full range of training we offer, from practical sessions to e-learning and blended learning options.”
Call First Response Training today on freephone 0800 310 2300.
David Millband, 46, was employed as a maintenance fitter by The Crimped Paper Works Limited, based in Chapel-en-le-Firth. On 16th February 2010, he lost three fingers, part of his thumb and suffered severe injuries to his little finger when his right hand became caught in a reel-fed machine.
A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered that Mr Millband had opened the door of the machine to carry out a check, but it had kept running and his fingers had become caught. Investigators found that the machine was fitted with interlocks for safety, but that these had been disabled.
Buxton Magistrate’s Court heard how Mr Millband had to undergo two bouts of surgery on his hand and was only able to return to work on light duties around four months after the accident. He was, however, later made redundant.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Fiona Coffey said: “The incident was completely preventable. The company had a legal duty to prevent access to the dangerous parts of their machinery, but provided engineers with keys which could override the interlocks. There had been a similar incident five months earlier which had resulted in lesser injuries but, while the company had purchased a new system for the interlocks, they had not made this operational by the time of the second incident.”
First Response Training offers a wide range of health and safety training courses which help employers to understand their legal duties in regards to safety in the workplace and also teaches employees about their own responsibilities.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “Every year, thousands of accidents occur at work which could have easily been prevented if health and safety guidance was followed. Such accidents can be serious and have a lasting effect, or even prove fatal, so all companies should take their duties seriously. It is important that companies understand exactly what their duties are under law, and for employees to know that they also have legal duties with regards health and safety.
Perry, who has extensive experience in health and safety management, adds: “Understanding the law and best practice is key to preventing workplace accidents. This starts with proper training. We provide training for both managers and employees, from a basic Essentials of Health and Safety course, to more in-depth Managing and Supervising Safety training to the IOSH-accredited 4-day Managing Safely training programme. We can also offer bespoke packages for your particular industry type, so please call us to discuss your requirements and found out about the full range of training we offer, from practical sessions to e-learning and blended learning options.”
Call First Response Training today on freephone 0800 310 2300.
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