Worker dies after being drawn into rotating machinery, plastic manufacturer fined £330K
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, has determined that Maynard and Harris Plastics could have prevented the death of a 34-year-old worker. The incident occurred in October 2021 at the company’s facility in Ellough. According to the HSE, Nathan Hook was operating a lathe in the tool room to create a work piece for a machine. The emery cloth he was using became entangled in the workpiece, as did his sweatshirt sleeve. Nathan was drawn into the rotating machinery and suffered fatal head injuries.
During its investigation, the HSE learned that the company, which manufactures plastic products for the food industry, had failed to provide suitable health and safety training regarding the use of emery cloth on lathes. Additionally, Maynard and Harris Plastics did not have a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for use of alternative methods.
Ultimately, Maynard and Harris Plastics, of Ellough, Beccles, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act. They were fined £330,000 and ordered to pay £4,373 costs at a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on 5 December 2024.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, HSE inspector Natalie Prince said: “Our thoughts remain with Nathan’s family.
He was a young dad who should have returned home safely to them at the end of his working day, but because of this company’s failings, he did not.”
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