A wooden cable drum manufacturer, Askern UK Limited, has been fined £24,395, plus £7,000 in costs and victim surcharge, after a 57-year-old employee suffered partial severing of two fingers. The incident occurred on March 8, 2024, when the worker was cleaning a printing machine and her fingers were drawn into unguarded rollers after she easily overrode an interlock.
Analysis:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed multiple failures by Askern UK Limited, including failing to prevent access to dangerous machinery parts, inadequate machine maintenance, and a lack of suitable training for employees operating the printer. The ease with which the machine’s interlock could be bypassed is particularly concerning, highlighting a significant lapse in safety measures as required by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). This case underscores the critical importance of robust machine guarding, proper equipment maintenance, and comprehensive employee training to prevent serious workplace injuries. The substantial fine serves as a clear reminder of employers’ legal and moral obligations to ensure a safe working environment.