James Clydesdale
James Clydesdale was involved in a severe workplace accident at Kerry Ingredients UK Ltd in Hillington. On August 4, 2021, while trying to locate a blockage in a mechanical mixer, he was able to access the internal part of the machine due to the absence of adequate guarding. This resulted in the amputation of four fingers when they came into contact with the rotating blades.
Mr. Clydesdale had only worked at the company for around three months when the career-ending incident took place1. The severity of the injuries sustained and their disfiguring nature are self-evident. These injuries were to Mr. Clydesdale’s dominant hand and he has had to re-learn how to do everything with his left hand.
The company, which produces dry seasonings, blends, and dry gravy and curry mixes for the food industry, was found to be at fault for the accident. It was ordered to pay a fine of £360k and a victim surcharge of £27,0001. The incident highlights the importance of workplace safety and the need for adequate machine guarding to prevent such accidents.