Worker suffers partial finger amputation; Film & Foil Solutions fined £20K for machinery safety failure
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has fined Film & Foil Solutions Ltd £20,000 after a worker sustained a serious injury at the company’s site on Haydock Industrial Estate in St. Helens. On December 4, 2023, the worker was using a machine that converts and folds plastic film when he attempted to untangle material by hand. His right index finger made contact with a rotating shaft and became entangled, leading to surgery the next day to amputate part of the finger.
An investigation by HSE found that Film & Foil Solutions Ltd had failed to carry out a suitable risk assessment, did not provide appropriate guarding for the machinery, and lacked adequate safety systems and training for machine operators. The company, located on North Florida Road, Haydock Industrial Estate, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and was ordered to pay £2,932 in costs in addition to the fine at Sefton Magistrates’ Court on 15 May 2025.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Sam Eves, HSE inspector, said, “This incident could so easily have been avoided had the company taken simple steps to guard dangerous parts of machinery and implement safe working practices. Companies and individuals 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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