FIRM FINED AFTER WORKER INJURED IN SHREDDER

Countrystyle Recycling Limited was recently fined in the Maidstone Magistrates following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive which found the Company did not have adequate and suitable systems in place to protect the health and safety of their employees.

A plant mechanic employed by the Company was in the process of repairing a shredding machine when a metal plate forming the roof of the hammer drum became detached.  The worker was kneeling on a conveyer belt inside the shredder when it was re-started and he was thrown through the machine.  The worker suffered a fractured right leg and left arm.

It was found by the HSE that the Company had failed to enforce the safe-stop process which should be followed when using dangerous machinery.  The Company had allowed poor practices to become the norm and was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £8,903 in costs after pleading guilty to breaches of health and safety.