Food Manufacturer Fined £10,000 for Health and Safety Breach

A food manufacturer has been fined after a cleaner suffered serious injuries whilst using a potato processing machine. The 38 year old, who has not been named, attempted to remove a piece of potato from the system at Swancote Food’s Horton Wood in Telford when a rotating screw severed two of his fingers.

“This was a very serious incident, which was entirely preventable. As a result of Swancote Foods’ failings, a man has suffered permanent, life-changing injuries to his hand,” HSE Inspector Lyn Mizen revealed.

A HSE investigation found that a safety guard on the machine had failed due to low maintenance, ignoring health and safety at work risks. Swancote Foods, which is based in March, Cambridgeshire, admitted to breaching the 1998 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

The company was subsequently fined £10,000 and told to pay costs of £5,614 by Telford Magistrate’s Court. The victim has returned to work since the incident though the injuries to the first two fingers of his left hand continue to make everyday tasks a struggle due to reduced grip and movement.

“Companies must ensure that they have robust procedures in place to provide and maintain suitable, effective guarding. This case illustrates the consequences of failing to manage and control workplace risks adequately and HSE will not hesitate to hold companies to account for failing in their duties in such a way,” MR Mizen concluded.