Health and Safety Failings – Shredding firm prosecuted after worker injured

Shredding firm prosecuted after worker injured

Key Facts:

• A shredder firm have been investigated after a worker was injured in an incident
• The worker lost a finger, and part of another finger and thumb.
• The firm was fined £18,000 plus costs and a victim surcharge.

The Case:

An HSE investigation was launched into the health and safety procedures of a Manchester based shredding firm after a worker was injured.

The worker was working alone in the shredder compartment when he tried to free a piece of paper by reaching into the shredder. His right hand came into contact with the shredder knives, and he lost a finger, the top of another finger, and part of his thumb.

The subsequent HSE investigation found that the company had failed to effectively guard and prevent access to dangerous parts of the shredder.

The case was heard at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court in May 2015, where the shredding firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974. They were fined £18,000, costs of £1,375 and a victim surcharge of £120.

What the law states:

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states:

‘It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.’

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