Health and Safety Executive: Food manufacturer fined after worker's finger is amputated

A specialist bread manufacturer has been fined after a worker was injured by a dough mixing machine and had his finger amputated.

Thambirasaiyah Roy, 39, from Edgware, was using a spiral mixing machine to make dough in October 2006, at the company’s factory in Garrick Road Industrial Estate, Hendon.

While using the machine Mr Roy’s left hand came into contact with the unguarded beater of the mixing machine. As a result part of his left index finger had to be amputated.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation showed the guard covering dangerous parts of the machine had been missing for some time before the incident and previous advice from HSE regarding maintenance of machinery in the factory had been ignored.

Bread Factory Limited, formerly known as Bread Limited, of Hendon, Barnet, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £3,500 and ordered to pay costs of £2,926, at the City of London Magistrates Court.

HSE inspector, Anne Gloor said:

"This incident could easily have been avoided. The hazards associated with this type of machine are understood within the food manufacturing industry and there is clear guidance on the guarding standards which should be followed.

"There were clear failings on this occasion. Had a simple guard been fitted to this machine then Mr Roy would never have suffered these injuries."

Notes to editors

1) Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states: "Every employer shall ensure that measures are taken which are effective (a) to prevent access to any dangerous part of machinery or any rotating stock bar; or (b) to stop the movement of any dangerous part of machinery or rotating stock bar before any part of a person enters a danger zone."

2) More information on health and safety can be found online at www.hse.gov.uk

3) For guidance on machinery in the food industry visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/food/machinery.htm

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