A worker suffered serious arm injuries after his employer ignored warnings from the Health and Safety Executive about unsafe working practices.
The 32-year-old employee was clearing a blockage from a material recycling facility machine at F&R Cawley Limited’s Luton headquarters when the accident happened in February 2014.
Although the power was turned off by the control room operator while the man started removing a piece of waste, but it was turned on again before he had completed the task.
His arm was dragged into moving rollers of a conveyor belt, causing severe injuries. He underwent an operation to insert three metal plates and still requires further surgery using bone from his hip to repair the damage.
However, it is thought he will be unable to return to manual work in the future.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed unsatisfactory procedures for locking off and isolating the machinery. Equipment including walkie-talkies and computer systems were faulty and there was a lack of proper training and supervision.
Luton Crown Court heard that the HSE had asked the company to look at safety measures two years previously. Inspectors visited the site and raised concerns about inadequate methods of removing blockages.
They also talked to managers about the possibility of a communication problems between staff involved in such operations.
However, the court heard that new written procedures were soon being ignored.
The judge said it was likely that the accident would not have happened if the warning had been heeded.
F&R Cawley Limited, of Covent Garden Close, Luton, admitted offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was ordered to pay a £100,000 fine and costs amounting to £20,763.
“This worker has been left unable to work following an incident that could easily have been avoided if the company had ensured their staff were properly trained and supervised,” said HSE Inspector Andrew McGill.
“This man used to enjoy cycling with his two children but now can’t do this or any other active play with them.”
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