Shower manufacturer fined after worker injured by machinery

Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard how, on the 5 July 2017, an employee of Contour Showers Ltd, Winsford, was trying to clear a blockage from a metal cutting saw, when the blade cut through the knuckle of his left index finger damaging the tendon and ligament, such that he was unable to work for 8 months.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there was inadequate guarding to prevent access to dangerous parts of the machinery and that training had not been provided on isolation, lock-off procedures and safe systems of work during maintenance activities. The investigation also found the Company had failed to identify the risks associated with inadequately guarded machinery.

Contour Showers Ltd of Winsford, Cheshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and fined £14,000 with £5473.21 costs.

HSE inspector Lorna Sherlock said after the case: “This injury was easily preventable. Employers should make sure they properly assess risk and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery”.