£65,000 for health & safety breach

Space 4 Limited, a new-build home manufacturer, has picked up a £65,000 fine for failing to protect workers from automated machinery

Additional costs of £60,000 were added to the case, which involved the death of Philip Macken, after he was fatally crushed against a machine.

The court found that Space 4 Limited had been negligent in regard to safeguarding the employee's health when Mr Macken was attempting to inject foam to an internal wall panel.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigating inspector Tony Mitchell said: "Companies need to ensure that all safety devices are fully operational. In this case properly fitted interlocks would have prevented access to the enclosure, and saved Mr Macken's life.

"Guarding and fencing of automated machinery is a basic requirement and the standards are well known. Simple checks should be carried out to ensure workers are protected from dangerous parts and that safety features are fitted and in good order."

Space 4 admitted at Birmingham Crown Court that it had breached section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland will be well aware of similar cases, which unfortunately occur more than is necessary.

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