The incident occurred on 4 August 2021 while a 39-year-old man employed at a Kerry site in Glasgow was attempting to unblock a machine used for mixing dry seasoning blends.
To clear a blockage which developed during the mixing process, the worker inserted his right hand into the machine but came into contact with the rotating blades which resulted in the amputation of four of his fingers.
Since the incident, the man has had to re-learn how to do everything with his left hand.
A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) established that there were no fixed guards on the machine designed to prevent access to the blades from the underside.
The investigation also found there were not any interlocked guards which would stop the rotating parts if any component on the underside of the mixer were to be removed.
On 26 July 2024, Kerry Ingredients (UK) Limited of Bradley Road, Bristol, pleaded guilty to a contravention of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1988, Regulations 11(1) and (2) and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Section 33(1)(c).
At a further hearing on 8 August 2024, the company was fined £360,000.
'Incident could have been easily avoided'
Commenting on the investigation, HSE principal inspector Hazel Dobb 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.”
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