Company fined £300,000 after worker severed arm in machinery

A clinical waste disposal company has been fined after a nightshift worker suffered a catastrophic injury while attempting to clear a blockage from an autoclave machine at a site in Swindon in February 2022. His arm was trapped and crushed by the machine door, severing it below the elbow, and surgeons spent six hours reattaching it. He has since undergone three major operations and continues to suffer constant pain and limited movement.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the worker had entered the machine enclosure through an unsecured rear gate to remove debris. Due to miscommunication, a colleague restarted the machine while he was inside. HSE identified multiple failings, including inadequate isolation procedures, insufficient training and supervision, and a lack of clear information on how to safely clean and maintain the equipment.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £18,710 in costs. HSE said the incident was entirely foreseeable and highlighted the importance of robust lock-off and isolation procedures when cleaning or maintaining machinery.

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