Food polythene firm fined after agency worker injury

The worker broke the little finger on his right hand while operating machinery in March 2014 at Total Polyfilm Ltd’s Brighouse plant, Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court was told.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed the company had failed to  manage the risk of workers being injured when operating machinery.

Failed to manage the risk​

Workers at the plant were also allowed to operate the plant’s equipment in unsafe ways, according to the HSE probe.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jacqueline Ferguson said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.​

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”​

Fined £6,000​

Total Polyfilm Ltd of Walton Summit Estate, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and has been fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £697.

The film manufacturer supplies a range of customers in the food and agricultural industries.

Food industry customers included automated bakeries throughout the world supplying the global fast food market.

Agricultural applications included film to wrap silage.