Proper Risk Assessment of Workplace Necessary to Prevent Accidents: HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reiterated the need for proper risk assessment at the workplace and for ensuring that all safety measures are in place in order to prevent accidents.

The reiteration has come following the conviction of Tulip Limited, a food manufacturing company, which was ordered by Norwich Crown Court to pay nearly 95,000 pounds as fine and costs, following the accident of an employee, Ludmila Jurkevica, on one of its packing units in 2007.

The accident took place when Ludmila, who was working on a Multivac packing unit, noticed a blockage in the machine and attempted to remove the same using her hands. She got three of her fingers crushed in the process. According to HSE, the company had left the machine unguarded and Ludmila was not properly trained to use it, which led to the accident.

Tulip pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Workplace etc Act 1974 and it was ordered to pay 65,000 pounds as fine and 29,523 pounds towards costs.

According to HSE Inspector Steven Gill, this accident could have been avoided if the company had ensured that the machine was adequately secured and had given the worker proper training. He added that such machines are extremely dangerous and therefore companies should take proper care and maintain them properly.

Gill also disclosed that in the present case, the company had chosen to ignore its safety audit about the machine, which led to the current accident. Moreover, he stressed that employees should be well trained in using machinery and where a worker does not understand English, such training should be provided in his or her native language.

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