Baker Pleads Guilty to Breaching Health and Safety Regulations

A baker has been prosecuted after a young worker crushed his fingers whilst using a faulty machine.  Peter Ellis’ negligence regarding health and safety regulations led to the incident, which took place on Tuesday, November 30 last year.

The teenager, who has not been named, suffered bruising and cuts to his index and middle fingers when he placed his hand in between the rollers of a machine that moulded dough to the correct size and shape. An investigation by HSE found the two powered running rollers did not have appropriate protection.

“The risks from these types of machines are well known in the industry and this incident could have resulted in far worse injuries. Immediately following the accident Mr Ellis installed a guard which cuts power to the machine,” Health and Safety Inspector Craig Varian said.

However, Mr Varian revealed that this action was long overdue and the victim could have been spared his serious injuries if it had been put back in place at an earlier date. The guard had been removed for twenty-four months prior to the accident which took place at Belinda’s Bakery near Ringwood.

Mr Ellis, who resides in Picket Hill, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to breaching 1998 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and subsequently received a fine of £500. He was also ordered to pay £300 in prosecution costs.