HSE Fines – Food company fined £858,000 after worker loses arm

A food production company has been fined £858,000 after an employee had his arm amputated after becoming entangled in an industrial food mixer. A 26 year old at the time, had to have his arm surgically removed.

The incident happened on September 27, 2021 at the Mill House, Dorset Road, Sheerness, where David Wood Baking Limited makes sausage rolls, quiches and other food products.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the control measures in place to prevent contact with moving parts were ineffective as the guarding of the mixer was routinely not replaced after cleaning.

The ‘interlocking’ system was also defeated which meant the mixer would still operate without the front guard in place, putting employees at risk when operating it.

David Wood Baking Limited pleaded guilty to breaches under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 11(1) (b) and was fined £858,000 and ordered to pay £8,000 costs at Folkestone Magistrates Court on December 21, 2022.

HSE Inspector Joanne Williams said: “A wide variety of work equipment and machinery is used across food production. In the food and drink industries machinery and plant cause over 30% of fatal injuries and over 10% of major injuries. In this case this was a wholly avoidable incident, caused by the failure of the company to implement safe systems of work and a failure to identify the risks.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard”

Contact Crownford on 0871 22 616 22 to find out how we can keep your employees safe and your business safe from HSE fines.