Machinery Guarding Fine

Machinery Guarding is an important control measure to prevent injury to workers using conveyors and other similar equipment. This case is yet another severe injury arising from inadequate guarding and predictable human actions (trying to clear a blockage).

Mason Animal Feeds Ltd (based in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland) has been fined £120,000 at Newry Crown Court after failing to provide adequate safety measures on a chain and flight conveyor used to move animal feed from the mixing plant to the bagging area. The company was found guilty following an incident in which a 17-year-old employee had his right arm dragged into the conveyor while trying to clear a blockage. His right arm and wrist were severely damaged, resulting in him now having very limited mobility in his hand and wrist.

There were breaches of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (NI).

Speaking on behalf of the HSENI, Inspector Sean Keogh said:

Employers must ensure that all machinery is adequately guarded and that the employees are trained, competent and authorised to operate machinery.

It is also essential that employers provide health and safety information to their employees that is clear and easily understood.