%201.svg)
%201.svg)
A manufacturing company has received a £28,000 fine for failing to protect workers from machinery risks. The financial penalty follows an accident that broke an employee's right arm and hand in six places, requiring surgery and an extended recuperation period. The worker was removing debris from the bed of a radial arm drill when his hand became trapped in the machine.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that the manufacturing business neglected to suitably assess the risks of the task and did not implement a safe system of work.
Reducing machinery risks in your business
- Include machinery and safety guards in your overall risk assessment process.
- Use your risk assessment to create a safe system of work (SSOW) with clear, step-by-step guidance.
- Implement a regular machinery maintenance programme to keep equipment in good working order.
- Perform pre-use checks before every task to spot and fix signs of wear and tear.
- Train workers on machinery operation and provide refresher modules when necessary.
- Take a zero-tolerance stance on tampering with or removing safety guards.
- Display signage outlining machinery hazards and the correct procedures for dealing with them.
- Educate staff on emergency stop controls and ensure your entire team is aware of accident response procedures.
Last updated
September 28, 2024
Opus Safety
Health & safety insights
Guidance, updates and practical advice for your sector.
Workplace Noise Assessments: Protecting Your Employees
Workplace noise assessments help protect employees, meet UK legal duties, and prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Book expert support.
HSE prosecutions: lessons from four recent enforcement cases
Four recent HSE prosecutions across builders merchants, manufacturing, waste and vehicle maintenance show why machinery guarding, hazardous substance controls and workplace transport segregation remain non-negotiable.
Martyn's Law: Navigating the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
A practical guide to Martyn's Law - who it applies to, the standard and enhanced tiers, your core duties, and what businesses should do now to prepare.
Employer Health and Safety Responsibilities: Manual Handling Guide
Employer manual handling guide covering UK legal duties, risk assessments, MSD prevention, TILE controls and safety training.
What is Health and Safety Legislation? A Guide for UK SMEs
Understand UK health and safety legislation, including HSWA, risk assessments, RIDDOR and key regulations to keep your business compliant.
Recent HSE Prosecutions
Discover real UK workplace safety prosecutions – including fines for machinery incidents, falls from height, and COSHH failings – and what your business can learn from them.
Health and safety training: When to refresh staff skills and knowledge
Find out when to refresh your team's health and safety training, from onboarding to recertification and role changes.
Consultant Q&A: Sector safety challenges and solutions for 2026
Our consultants share clients' top sector safety concerns, plus practical tips to maintain strong standards in a challenging business environment.
Your latest Opus Compliance Cloud upgrades
We’re constantly evolving Opus Compliance Cloud, our work-saving H&S software. See what’s new across the system – and what the changes mean for you.
Workplace violence and abuse: How to protect your employees
Violence and abuse against retail staff is increasing. Take vital steps to safeguard and empower your team.
Why businesses choose
Opus Safety
We've worked across UK industry for years. The numbers show what our clients achieve when compliance becomes a strength, not a burden.
%201.svg)
