Paper Manufacturer Fined £80k After Machinery Amputations

A manufacturer of napkins and thin ply paper products, Duni Poppies Limited, has been fined £80,000 after an experienced machine operator sustained severe hand injuries. The incident occurred during the cleaning of print rollers on an embossing machine. The worker’s hand was drawn into the moving parts, resulting in the amputation of two fingers and partial loss of two others on her dominant hand.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the machinery lacked the necessary interlocked guards required to prevent access to dangerous moving parts during operation. Despite the operator having 11 years of experience, the absence of physical safety barriers allowed for contact with the rollers, leading to permanent, life-changing injuries.

Furthermore, the HSE noted that the company had a history of enforcement notices regarding machinery guarding issues dating back to 2010. The court heard that the incident was entirely avoidable had the firm implemented standard safety measures, such as fixed or interlocked guards, to comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

For procurement and safety managers, this case highlights the critical importance of regular PUWER inspections and the installation of robust physical guarding. Relying on worker experience is not a substitute for mechanical safety controls. Duni Poppies Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of PUWER and was ordered to pay costs of £4,756 in addition to the fine.

Source: HSE Press