* Cleanzine-logo-8a.jpgCleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 6th February 2025 Issue no. 1148

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Tissue manufacturer fined £1million after employee loses an eye

A Welsh company that manufactures kitchen and toilet tissue paper has been fined £1million after an employee was seriously injured when he was struck in the face by a crane hook.

In November 2019, the man, who worked for Sofidel UK based in Neath, was attempting to free a paper reel, which had become stuck on the exit rails of a paper machine, by using an overhead crane. During the operation, part of the crane contacted the spinning reel, causing the crane hook to swing violently - striking the man in the face. He suffered the loss of an eye and nine teeth, also sustaining multiple fractures to his face.

An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive found that Sofidel UK failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify the hazards posed by paper reels which did not eject correctly from the machine. The company also failed to ensure that control measures were in place and that employees were provided with information and instructions on what to do should this situation arise. The issue was happening regularly, yet no risk assessment had been undertaken despite operators being provided with basic equipment to use in these circumstances.

At Swansea Magistrates' Court on 13th July, Sofidel UK pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £1million and ordered to pay costs of £13,446.50.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Matthew Gray, said: "This incident could so easily have been avoided by carrying out a suitable risk assessment which included non-routine operations such as clearing of blockages, and by implementing appropriate control measures and safe working practices.

"Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards."

www.hse.gov.uk

13th July 2023




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