Employee suffers life changing injuries as a result dangerous machinery which Company Director was aware of.
Liverpool Magistrates Court heard how a female agency worker’s hair was caught on a rotating drive shaft whilst working on the production line resulting in the loss of her scalp, ears and one of her thumbs. The Agency workers severe injuries have led to multiple reconstruction surgeries and the trauma both physically and mentally has resulted in her being able to return to work since the incident.
After investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) it was found that the company had failed to adequately guard the production line and as a result employees and agency workers were exposed to dangerous parts of machinery such as conveyors and drive shafts during production and cleaning. Furthermore, it was identified that mill operatives were exposed and accessing machinery while they were operating, and the company director was aware of this.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 and section 3 of the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 and was fined £466,666 and ordered to pay costs of £7475.90 and a victim surcharge of £170.00.
The company Director pleaded guilty of breaching section 37 of the health and safety act work act and fined £10,800, ordered to pay £43,241 costs and a victim surcharge of £170.00. A total in costs and fines of £528,522.90.