Wrapp Recycling Ltd fined £18,952 after an employee lost two fingers in an unguarded baler.

Wrapp Recycling Ltd of Bolton were fined £18,952 (inc. costs) after an employee lost two fingers in unguarded recycling equipment.

The circumstances were:

• The accident occurred on a baler.
• Because blockages occurred frequently, the company had modified the machine so that what was originally a fixed guard was now removable.
• Wrapp Recycling had failed to fit an interlock to this so that the machine would stop when the guard was open.
• There was no suitable risk assessment in place that would have identified the need for this.
• Wrapp Recycling failed to inform employees of the dangers when accessing the machine with power on.
• It was common practice to clear the machine by hand with the machine still running.
• On 2 October 2018, a worker who had been employed at Wrapp Recycling Ltd for just eight weeks, attempted to clear a blocked hopper of a baler machine.
• After removing the guard, he leaned into the machine and moved the blocked plastic.
• The ram then activated and crushed his hand.
• The accident caused extensive damage to his hand, including the amputation of two fingers for which he is still undergoing treatment.
• He has since been unable to return to work.

The HSE Inspector said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and implementing a safe system of work. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”