A manufacturing company has been fined after an employee sustained severe injuries while operating machinery at its site in Rugby.
Incident Overview
Andrew Elson, 54, from Rugby, suffered multiple fractures to the ulna and radius bones in his right arm while working at Screening Consultancy and Supplies Ltd on 25 November 2022. The incident occurred when Elson was clearing debris off the bed of a radial arm drill, and his right hand became entangled in the machine, resulting in six different bone fractures that required surgery.
Personal Impact
Elson described the aftermath of the accident: “I totally lost my independence for around two months and my wife had to do everything. I don’t know what the future holds. I work a manual job with my hands, I don’t know how long I can continue to do this for. I still have trouble using my hands and fingers, and sometimes I wake up and they are stiff, numb, and achy.”
The physical and emotional toll on Elson has been significant. He has had to rely heavily on his wife for daily tasks, which has been a challenging adjustment for both of them. The uncertainty about his future ability to work has added to his stress and anxiety. Despite undergoing surgery, Elson continues to experience pain and limited mobility in his hand and fingers, affecting his quality of life and ability to perform his job.
Investigation Findings
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that Screening Consultancy and Supplies Ltd failed to:
- Conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the work activity.
- Implement a safe system of work.
The investigation highlighted that the company did not have adequate safety measures in place to protect its employees from the risks associated with operating machinery. The lack of a proper risk assessment meant that potential hazards were not identified and mitigated, leading to the accident that injured Elson.
Legal Proceedings
Screening Consultancy and Supplies Ltd, located on Somers Road, Rugby, Warwickshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £28,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,616 at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 19 September 2024.
The court proceedings underscored the importance of workplace safety and the legal obligations of employers to ensure the well-being of their employees. The fine imposed on the company serves as a reminder to other businesses about the serious consequences of neglecting health and safety regulations.
HSE Statement
HSE inspector Charlie Rowe commented: “This prosecution highlights how employers should adequately assess the risks and then ensure they have a safe system of work in place for the operation of all machinery.”
Rowe emphasized that the incident could have been prevented if the company had conducted a thorough risk assessment and implemented appropriate safety measures. The HSE continues to advocate for stringent safety protocols to protect workers from similar accidents.
Prosecution Team
The case was prosecuted by HSE enforcement lawyers Chloe Ward and Neenu Bains, with support from paralegal officer Melissa Wardle. The legal team worked diligently to ensure that the company was held accountable for its failure to protect its employee.
Industry Reaction
The manufacturing industry has reacted to the news with a renewed focus on safety practices. Industry leaders have called for increased training and awareness programs to prevent similar incidents. The case has sparked discussions about the need for continuous improvement in safety standards and the role of employers in safeguarding their workforce.
Employee Safety Measures
In response to the incident, Screening Consultancy and Supplies Ltd has taken steps to improve its safety protocols. The company has conducted a comprehensive review of its risk assessment procedures and implemented new safety measures to prevent future accidents. These measures include:
- Enhanced training programs for employees on machinery operation and safety.
- Regular safety audits to identify and address potential hazards.
- Installation of additional safety guards and emergency stop mechanisms on machinery.
The company has also engaged with safety consultants to ensure that its practices meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. These efforts aim to create a safer working environment and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
The incident at Screening Consultancy and Supplies Ltd highlights the critical importance of workplace safety and the need for employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees. The legal proceedings and subsequent fine serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting health and safety regulations. As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that companies remain vigilant and proactive in implementing robust safety measures to protect their workforce.
