PHW

Home / Real cases / McCain Foods (G.B.) Limited

PHW · Machinery · 2023-11-22

McCain Foods (G.B.) Limited fined £700,000 after a worker's fingers were amputated clearing a batter machine

Easton, Lincolnshire · Lincoln Magistrates' Court

What happened

A worker cleaning batter system machinery on a night shift at the company's Lincolnshire site attempted to remove string dangling from a chute. His hand was drawn into the machine and contacted the rotary valve.

Injuries: amputation of two fingers

The breach

HSWA 1974 s2(1); PUWER 1998 reg 11(1)

The sentence

  • Fine: £700,000
  • Costs: £6,509
HSE inspector

“This incident could so easily have been avoided had the company taken simple steps to guard dangerous parts of machinery and provide employees with suitable training and supervision.”

What would have prevented it

Guard dangerous moving parts of machinery so they cannot be reached during cleaning, and never rely on workers freeing blockages by hand on running equipment.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and evidence for manufacturing sites

View →
Quiz

Could a visitor on your shop floor check an operator's training record in under a minute?

View →

Source: HSE press release, McCain Foods fined after employee loses fingers