Metal Company Prosecuted after Worker Loses Hand
RDB Fabrication and Engineering Limited, a metal fabrication firm based in Bradford, has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive, following an accident at work involving one of its employees.
Appearing at Halifax Magistrates’ Court, the company was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000, after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, which states: “Every employer shall ensure that measures are taken which are effective (a) to prevent access to any dangerous part of machinery or to any rotating stock-bar; or (b) to stop the movement of any dangerous part of machinery or rotating stock-bar before any part of a person enters a danger zone.”
The accident occurred when 22-year-old worker, Jamie Raynor, was operating a hydraulic press brake when the top pressing tool came crashing down on his arm. The tool sliced through Mr Raynor’s wrist and completely severed his hand. The casual worker suffered the accident after the firm requested he attend work on the Saturday in order to maintain productivity levels.
An investigation by the medical negligence executive, revealed that RDB Fabrication and Engineering Limited had failed to ensure that an electronic motion guard, designed to stop the movement of the machine in the event of a person entering the danger zone, was working properly. In the event, the guard failed to operate correctly as Mr Raynor extended his arm into the machine.
Personal injury claims involving accidents in the manufacturing industry are common in the UK, with many such accident claims arising after employees have been exposed to dangerous or moving components of machinery. Until employers take their health and safety obligations more seriously, accidents of the kind endured by Mr Raynor will continue to occur.
Paul Newton, an inspector for the Health and Safety Executive, said: “A young man has had his life changed forever by a terrible, avoidable accident. The dangers of working with press brakes are well known in the industry and there have been many instances of workers being seriously injured.”
Mr Newton added: “That’s why these machines are fitted with guards to prevent access to the danger zone. In this case, the company’s failure to ensure these guards were effective had tragic consequences. Contact with moving machinery is one of the main causes of fatal injuries to workers and the third highest cause of major injuries. I hope this serves as a reminder to employers of the importance of safeguarding their employees.”