Company fined after worker loses fingers

A biomass company has been fined £129,000 after a worker lost parts of three fingers in machinery.

The employee was attempting to clear a blockage on a surge hopper and had removed a metal clip and rubber gaiter within the rotary lock valve. The valve was operated by a control room that communicated with employees via hand-held radio. Believing the rotary lock valve had been turned off he inserted his hand into the hopper and it came in contact with the moving blades.

An inspection by the HSE found that the company failed to ensure that access to dangerous parts of the machinery was prevented.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulations 11(1) and (2) and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Section 33(1)(c).