Tyre firm fined after worker dragged into machine

A Tyre firm is fined after worker is dragged into machine. An Essex-based tyre company has been fined £54,000 following a worker sustaining significant injuries after being drawn into a machine.

Neal Hetherington was working for D&D Commercial Services Limited when the incident happened on 19 August 2021.

The tyre re-treading company, is fined due to his contact with the spinning blades of a tyre buffing machine. The machine freewheeling to a stop, draws him in by his t-shirt, resulting in part of his torso being shredded.

Mr Hetherington, required immediate hospital treatment for his injuries and was off work for several months afterwards.

Investigation reveals health, safety and welfare failure 

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that D&D Commercial Services Limited made failures. The hold-to-run controls were working as they should. The brake on the bladed rotating rasp was operational. The brake should have stopped the rasp moving immediately on letting go of the controls. However, this would continue to freewheel for approximately five minutes before coming to rest.

HSE prosecutes D&D Commercial Services for failure to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its employees. The company does not enter a plea.

The court finds the company guilty following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court on 4 September 2024. They were fined £54,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,000.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Oscar Dower says “This case sends a clear message to industry that HSE will hold companies to account if they fail to protect their workers.

“The company allows its workers to use a machine that is not adequately braked or guarded, leading to significant and wholly avoidable injuries to one of its employees. If the company had ensured the machine’s safety features were working as they should have been, this would not have happened.

“Companies should ensure that safety features of work equipment always remain functional, so that workers are kept safe whilst using machinery.”

Tip: For information on inspecting Work equipment: https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/inspection.htm

Tip: Extra information in the rubber and tyre industries: https://www.hse.gov.uk/rubber/topics.htm

Safety Aide can assist your business regarding Health and Safety, including Risk Assessments,  please get in touch on 08000 806 801or info@safetyaide.com