Forterra fined £200,000 after worker seriously injured

Worker had to have left arm amputated and was left paralysed from the chest down after being drawn into machinery

FORTERRA Building Products have been fined £200,000 after a worker had his left arm amputated and was left paralysed from the chest down after being drawn into machinery.

Burnley Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 8 July 2017, chargehand Eddie Ely was working with a group of colleagues to remove a blockage and spillage on a conveyor when he was drawn into the conveyor system. Guards had been removed from the machine but the power had not been isolated.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Forterra had failed to properly ensure that machines were always isolated from power, to be made safe, before guarding was removed from machinery.

Forterra Building Products Ltd pleaded guilty to safety breaches and were fined a total of £200,000 with costs of £7,529.11.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Steven Boyd said: ‘This case shows the devastating consequences of coming into contact with dangerous machinery.

‘It is crucial that companies have a clear procedure for isolating machinery and they have appropriate supervision and monitoring to ensure it is adhered to.’