HSE fines firm for failing to follow glove safety policy
Health & Safety update 11/07/2011
A maintenance worker was seriously injured in an accident at a
chemical firm after the company failed to follow an HSE glove
safety policy.
The male employee, 58, was removing rust from a hitch pin
connecting a vehicle and a trailer at Runcorn-based Ineos
Enterprises Ltd when the accident happened.
His glove snagged on the rotating mechanism, which dragged his
hand into the moving machinery. The worker's right ring finger was
cut off and he also suffered damage to his little and middle
fingers.
Following the incident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
carried out an investigation and found that the firm had failed to
follow guidelines which advised against the use of gloves whilst
operating metalworking lathes, in case the material snagged on the
device.
In fact, Ineos Enterprises had rolled out a new policy
instructing workers to wear gloves whilst using machinery at the
site.
HSE prosecuted the firm at Runcorn Magistrates' Court, where
Ineos admitted failing to ensure worker safety under Section 2(1)
of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The firm was find
£12,000 plus £6,607 in costs.
HSE investigating inspector, Mhairi Duffy, said, “A worker has
lost one finger and badly damaged two others because Ineos didn't
think about the possible implications of its new glove policy.
“New guidance was introduced nearly six years ago on not wearing
gloves while using metalworking machines, but Ineos failed to keep
up to date with the latest health and safety advice,” Duffy
added.