A tobacco manufacturer has been ordered to pay £32,000 for failing to prevent access to the rotating blades of a ribbon blade mixer.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that employees of Honeyrose Products Ltd, based in Ipswich, were able to access the machine while it was operating, presenting a risk of serious personal injury from an employee's body coming into contact with the rotating blade.

An investigation by the found that Honeyrose Products Limited failed to put appropriate measures in place to ensure that access to the dangerous parts of machinery was prevented.

COMPANIES SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE HSE WILL NOT HESITATE TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST THOSE THAT FALL BELOW THE REQUIRED STANDARDS

According to HSE guidance, employers should consider how their workers use machinery and have adequate maintenance arrangements in place to ensure it remains safe to use.

Honeyrose Products admitting breaching regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

Last week at Ipswich Magistrates Court, the company was fined £32,000 and was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £12,583.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Julia Beavis said: 'Companies should be aware that the HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.'

Source: IOSH Magazine

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