The HSE has prosecuted yet another employer whose lack of safety arrangements at the workplace led to the loss of an innocent life. The guilty party is a pet food manufacturing company, which was convicted and fined for negligence causing the death of the employee.
The victim, Mr. Marcus Snow was engaged in the packing department on February 1st 2006, the day of the incident. The off load machine that he was using to transfer dog food cartons to a conveyor got jammed, and he went in through the entrance in the machine to clear the suspected jam. At this point a pneumatic unit came down upon him and tied him down to the floor of the machine. The pressure of the heavy machine was such that he was unable to move or escape, and in some time the weight caused asphyxiation resulting in death.
Both the entrances to the machine were supposed to be guarded by photoelectric curtains that can prevent whole body access inside the dangerous machine. However, these essential arrangements had been disabled, which was the reason why Mr. Snow could enter the machine easily, without being obstructed. In addition, the interlock on the hinged door to the machine had been tampered with, so that the machine was functioning with no protection whatsoever. It was clear that all these deficiencies were deliberate and showed utter disregard for safety on part of the employer. Employers have a duty to make sure staff and managers have appropriate health and safety training to carry out their work safely. Visit the website all about nebosh for more information on accredited training courses.
When the HSE and Surrey Police investigated the case, they realised that similar deficiencies were present in many other machines in the factory. HSE Inspector Janet Hanson points to the fact that a little attention from the concerned people could have prevented the personal loss and tragedy. She says the sum of £157,500 is a reasonable penalty, but it will not be able to compensate for a life that was lost due to the lack of concern of the employer towards the safety of the employees.
