At Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that LDA Meats Ltd was fined after a worker suffered a severe finger injury in an accident at their facility in Ledbury. The incident occurred on July 18, 2020, when an 18-year-old employee slipped on a wet floor while operating a grinding machine. In an attempt to protect himself, his hand came into contact with the rotating worm thread within the machine, resulting in the loss of his fingers.
An investigation carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uncovered crucial safety lapses. The machine had not undergone a proper assessment to identify hazardous parts, associated risks, or necessary control measures to prevent access to dangerous areas. Routine guard checks had also not taken place, which allowed the safety cut-out device within the machine’s lid to go unnoticed and unrectified. Consequently, the machine could be operated with the lid open, presenting a serious risk to workers.
LDA Meats Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. As a result, they were fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,339.80.
HSE inspector Seren Linton expressed her concern, highlighting that this incident could have been easily avoided and resulted in permanent disfigurement for a young worker starting his career. Linton emphasized the importance for employers to conduct proper assessments and implement effective control measures to minimize hazards posed by machinery.
In related news, a farm in Devon was recently fined £60,000 following the death of a truck driver who was electrocuted by an overhead power line.