Tyre Company Fined After Worker Injured by Machine

A tyre refurbishment company has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a worker was injured by a tyre buffing machine.

The worker was drawn into the machine by his T-shirt as it was freewheeling to a stop. He came into contact with the spinning blades and part of his torso was shredded. He required treatment in hospital and was unable to work for several months.

An HSE investigation found that the company had failed to ensure that the machine's hold-to-run controls were working properly and that the brake on the bladed rotating rasp was operational. The rasp continued to freewheel for about five minutes, although the break should have stopped it from moving as soon as the controls were disengaged. If the machine's safety features had been working correctly, the accident would not have happened.

The HSE prosecuted the company under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees. The company was found guilty and fined £54,000. It was also ordered to pay costs of £6,000.