Firm fined for unsafe cleaning practices after worker crushes arm

Preston Magistrates’ Court heard how on the 20th May 2015 30-year-old worker, Muhammad Shoaib, was working on a waste line cleaning out waste plastic material from a conveyor belt when the machinery was started and his arm was drawn in between the rollers and the belt.

Mr Shoaib suffered crush injuries in two places on his left arm and needed extensive surgery. He has not been able to return to work since the incident.

HSE’s investigation found that no suitable and sufficient risk assessment had been carried out to identify the risks from the rollers. There was no suitable isolation process or guarding in place, and no safe system of work for cleaning the rollers.

HSE inspector Sharon Butler said: “This incident was entirely preventable. It is essential to take effective measures to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery. As in this case the outcome for ignoring these simple safety measures can result in life changing injuries and a substantial fine.”

Consillium Environmental Services Limited, Tower Road Business Park, Darwen pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £30,000 with £4500 in costs.