Nestlé UK Ltd Fined £630,000 after Worker Traps arm in Machine

This case shows just how costly it can be to fall below the required health and safety standards, specifically, failing to guard against the risks associated with dangerous moving parts of machinery.

The Incident

Bradford Crown Court heard how on 13 February 2016, while stationed at the After Eight production machine, a technical operator moved his right hand near a gap in the machine housing. An emery cloth he was holding was pulled into the machine, which in turn, pulled his arm into the machinery.

The worker could not reach any of the emergency stop buttons due to how he was trapped. Paramedics eventually managed to release him. He sustained a double compound fracture to his arm, which needed surgery.

HSE Investigation

​An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had failed to prevent access to unsafe parts of the machine, specifically an ‘in-running nip’. This dangerous part of the machinery could be accessed via a large gap at a conveyor belt entry.

Fine

​Nestle UK Ltd of City Place Gatwick pled guilty to breaching Reg 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.The company was fined £640,000 and ordered to pay £26,234 in costs.