Packaging firm fined £240k for crush injuries

The worker – who has remained anonymous – was trying to resolve a problem with the laminating machine at Selig’s factory in Slough, Berkshire on October 15 2013.

The man’s arm became trapped between two rollers, and he sustained fractures to his upper and lower left arm, as well as significant muscle and nerve damage.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Selig had failed to conduct a suitable risk assessment for the laminating machine.

It had also not implemented adequate measures to prevent access to dangerous moving parts.

Dangerous Moving Parts

Selig (UK) Limited, of Ajax Avenue, Slough, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), and Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The firm was fined £240,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,232.

A spokesman from Selig told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “Selig deeply regrets the occurrence of the accident which occurred on 15 October 2013.

“Prior to and subsequent to the accident, the Selig Slough facility has maintained an incident rate below the HSE published rate for work-related injury.”

Equipment and Procedures

“The company fully cooperated with the HSE investigation and has taken appropriate steps to improve its equipment and procedures.”

Established in the 1890s, Selig makes packaging for a range of products, including food and beverages.

Meanwhile, the HSE website said that most accidents involving printing machinery come from freeing blockages, machine setting, press cleaning, addition of substrates/inks and maintenance.

It noted: “The most common injuries are lacerations, cuts and bruises, fractures/dislocation and crushing injuries to the fingers or hand. Fatal accidents have occurred on platens and other printing machines.”

HSE advice for avoiding accidents involving printing machines can be found here.