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PHW · Agriculture · 2026-05-07

Duncan Farms Limited fined £53,000 after a worker's clothing was caught in a running conveyor

Turriff, Aberdeenshire · Aberdeen Sheriff Court

What happened

A worker's clothing became caught in an in-running nip between a pressure roller and a conveyor belt while investigating an unusual noise from egg collection equipment without stopping the machinery first. The dangerous moving parts of the machine were not adequately guarded.

Injuries: Serious nerve damage to both arms; three months required for full recovery of the right arm's function.

The breach

Regulations 11(1) and (2) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £53,000
HSE inspector

“Workers must never be placed in a position where they can access dangerous moving parts of machinery while it is in operation.”

What would have prevented it

Guard dangerous moving machinery parts and always stop equipment before investigating faults.

How PHW helps

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Ride-on roller

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Could you show, in writing, that every telescopic handler or forklift operator is authorised for that machine?

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Source: HSE press release, Egg farm fined after worker trapped in running conveyor machinery