%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.
On the Radar: Local Authority Enforcement Priorities (2026–2029)
The HSE's LAC 67/2 strategy sets council inspection priorities for 2026-2029, shifting towards health risks. What local-authority-regulated businesses should check now.
HSE prosecutions: The cost of poor compliance
Four recent HSE prosecutions - occupational asthma, severed fingers, a lost leg and a fall from height - and the basic controls that would have prevented each.
The RIDDOR public consultation: What it means for you
The HSE's 2026 RIDDOR consultation proposes five reforms to incident reporting. What the changes mean for duty holders, and what to do before it closes on 30 June.
How to Report Health and Safety Incidents Involving Employees Under RIDDOR
How to Report Health and Safety Concerns under RIDDOR, including reportable incidents, key deadlines and compliant recordkeeping.
Do You Need an Asbestos Survey for Your Workplace?
Do you need an asbestos survey? Learn your legal duties, survey types and how to manage asbestos risks in your workplace safely.
Who Is Responsible for Health and Safety? Legionella Duties Explained
Who Is Responsible for Health and Safety? Legionella Duties Explained. Learn UK duty holder responsibilities and Legionella risk assessment duties.
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.
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)
