Risk Assessments – Get it Right
Jan 1, 2010
A number of recent accidents have highlighted the need for workplace risks to be assessed correctly and, when necessary, reviewed by competent people.
- An agency worker had an index finger sliced off by an unguarded circular saw when working for a fence manufacturing company. The investigating HSE inspector identified that a risk assessment would have identified the need for adequate guarding. The company was fined £2,000 and £2,645 costs.
- A contractor lost two fingertips in a shredding machine, when it broke down at a recycling company. During the following investigation it was found that, although the employee and his colleague had been instructed in completing a risk assessment form, they had not neen instructed in how to carry out a risk assessment. The employer was fined £15,000.
- An employee at a poultry company suffered injuries when attempting to repair a scraper cleaning machine which lead to the amputation of a finger. The machine was not adequately guarded as guards had previously been removed and not refitted. The company was fined £5,000 with £4,850 costs.
- A machine operator had his lower arm amputated by moving machinery at a manufacturing company. An endplate with large protruding bolts caught on his overall and dragged him into the machine. A risk assessment for the machine had been carried out but the risk assessment did not cover the “setting up” operation. A risk assessment should have identified the entanglement risk during the setting up process. The company was fined £7,500 and £16,000 costs.
It is essential that competent people assess workplace risks, that risk assessments are frequently reviewed, and that all modes of work are covered including normal operation, planned maintenance and breakdowns. The effects of getting it wrong can be devastating for the person and the organisation.
For further information, or to enquire about a risk assessment, contact Wilby Risk Management on 01422 358525 or email info@wilbyltd.co.uk
