McCains fined £800,000 and employee nearly lost arm

Major frozen food manufacturer McCains was fined £812,831 (inc.costs) for safety failings after an employee nearly lost his arm.

The circumstances were:

• A risk assessment of the machine by the company failed to recognise the danger of unguarded areas on a bypass conveyor.
• The conveyor did not have the correct guards fitted.
• A 34-year-old employee was attempting to check the condition of the head roller on the conveyor. 
• While doing this his arm became entangled in the machinery and his arm was almost severed. 
• Although his arm was saved, he now has limited movement in his hand.