Factory worker suffers severe injuries in workplace accident

Health & Safety update 02/12/2011

A 56-year-old factory worker suffered such serious injuries in an accident at work that he was nearly left permanently disabled.

The Northwich-based man was working at Amcol Minerals Europe Ltd's plant on Weaver Valley Road, Winsford, when the incident occurred in March of last year.

He was cleaning a conveyor system at the factory – which produces chemicals used in detergents and oil drilling - and had scaled a ladder in order to reach the conveyor belt to check that the residue had been successfully removed.

However, on reaching the moving belt, the man’s left arm was caught and dragged underneath the rotating mechanism, crushing his hand and causing severe bruising down his left side. He also suffered a broken elbow in the accident.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and found that the necessary safety guard had not been fitted to the conveyor belt.

Amcol Minerals Europe Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 at Chester Magistrates' Court and was fined £10,000 plus £6,702.50 in costs.

HSE investigating inspector, Carl Jones, said, “The worker suffered severe injuries in the incident and he could easily have lost his arm. These conveyor belts are extremely powerful and unforgiving."

“Amcol should have done more to make sure its employees weren't being put at risk. The company has since fitted interlocked guarding around the dangerous parts of the conveyor belt, which automatically cuts the power if it's removed,” Mr Jones added.

If you would like further information on how NatWest Mentor can support your sector please click here.

For details on how NatWest Mentor could help your business in situations like this and many others, contact us today. If you already subscribe to Mentor, please call the Advice Service.

Next story - Carbon Plan published by government

Previous story - HSE reveals safety failings at basement construction sites