Paper Firm Accident Draws Attention to Safety Norms
A tragic accident at a paper mill that resulted in the loss of a limb for an employee has once again drawn attention to the critical need for adequate safety measures at the work place.
International Paper (UK) Limited based in Inverurie has been fined £6,000 by
The accident that prompted the HSE investigation took place in the company’s factory. An employee was working with heavy machinery when he was injured grievously. When the paper machine he was working on ran out of paper, the employee tried to feed in a replacement paper roll by throwing it into the machine. However, paper was wrapped around his arm and he was pulled forward into the machine. His arm was trapped in the machine and was mangled badly.
Fortunately, a colleague of the employee standing nearby had the presence of mind to switch off the power to the equipment before he could be drawn into the machine entirely. However, though the employee was saved, his arm had to be amputated.
HSE inspectors who investigated the incident revealed that the barricade that was erected around the machinery to prevent such accidents was wholly inadequate and did nothing to stop the mishap from occurring. HSE spokespersons expressed shock that such easily avoidable incidents were taking place even in the 21st century even though there have been clear guidelines on safety measures to be followed for dangerous equipment.
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