Plastics Manufacturer Fined After Worker was Asphyxiated
Printed plastics manufacturer Alfaplas Limited has been fined after a worker became unconscious as a result of asphyxiation when his tabard was entangled in the rotating spindle of a print machine.
On 29 January 2019, an employee who was a supervisor at the company attempted to realign a reel of product on a print machine whilst it was running at half speed. The employee’s high visibility tabard became entangled in an unguarded rotating spindle, drawing in his clothing. He became unconscious as a result of asphyxiation from the entangled clothing. An operator on an adjacent machine intervened to stop the print machine.
A Health & Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the company failed to prevent access to the dangerous parts of machinery or stop dangerous parts before access was gained. They later fitted electro-sensitive protection devices, which stopped the machine when the roller was active in the operator zone and the light beam was broken.
Alfaplas Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. They were fined £150,000 and ordered to pay costs of £14,379.
Read more about the incident from the HSE’s press release.
COVID-19 Delta Variant Linked With Cold-like Symptoms
According to the Zoe COVID Symptom study, a headache, sore throat and runny nose are now the most commonly reported symptoms linked to Covid infection in the UK. Prof Tim Spector, who runs the Zoe Covid Symptom study, says catching the Delta variant can feel “more like a bad cold” for younger people. Although these symptoms may seem minor, anyone who thinks they have COVID should take a test as they may be contagious and put others at risk.
The classic COVID symptoms that the NHS warn to look out for are:
- cough
- fever
- loss of smell or taste
But Prof Spector says these are now less common, based on the data the Zoe team has been receiving from thousands of people who have logged their symptoms on an app. The change appears linked to the rise in the Delta variant, first identified in India and now accounting for 90% of Covid cases in the UK.
Learn more about the variant and its symptoms from the BBC and remember if you have any reason to believe you may have COVID, get a test!
Death of Forklift Driver Leads to £600K Fine for Recycling Firm
A paper recycling company has been fined following the death of a 20-year-old agency worker who was crushed by a forklift truck at a plant in Crayford, London.
On 9 October 2018, agency worker Jamie Wright was driving a forklift truck at Restore Datashred Ltd’s plant when it overturned. He was not wearing a seatbelt and became trapped between the forklift’s rollover protective structure and the floor. He sustained fatal crush injuries.
The HSE investigation found significant failings in the management of workplace transport risks at the site, including issues relating to operator competence and supervision and monitoring.
Restore Datashred Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £600,000 and ordered to pay costs of £22,860.
Read more about the tragic accident from the HSE’s press release.
IOSH Working Safely Courses Run by WA Management!
WA Management are pleased to announce we are now able to run IOSH Working Safely courses. This is a one-day course that is perfect for anyone and everyone in a working role who wants to learn the basics of safety and health.
With this course, you will have a number of benefits including:
- Minimal disruption – the programme is delivered in just one day (including assessment)
- Greater productivity – fewer hours lost to sickness and accidents
- Improved organisation-wide safety awareness culture and appreciation of safety measures
- Internationally recognised certification for employees
- Enhanced reputation within the supply chain.
To learn more about the course, visit IOSH’s website.
If you would like to enquire about booking a course, get in touch today!