Automotive firm fined over worker injury
Categories:
General Health and Safety |
An automotive firm in Birmingham has been fined after one of its employees was struck by a manufacturing robot.
The incident left the worker with a damaged voice box and almost paralysed him down one side of his body.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the company, which has been fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 costs.
Birmingham Crown Court heard how the injured man was struck while trying to repair a fully-automated industrial robot.
He wanted to see the operating cycle of the machine, but a solid guard fully enclosed the robot so he could not see through it.
The employee decided to view the robot from inside the guarded area while it was operating.
While in this dangerous zone, however, the machine struck him in the throat, causing the damage to his voicebox and nerves on one side of his body.
HSE inspector Edward Fryer commented: "This is a prime example of a company failing to address the risks relating to maintenance work.
"Safe access arrangements must be provided and these should be written into maintenance procedures and have full management commitment."
To reduce the risk of workplace accidents, businesses are required to provide their employees with appropriate
workwear.
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