Road Planing Company Fined After Guard Failure Leads to Amputation

Brief Summary

An employer operating a road milling machine was fined after a worker had a leg amputated when their foot became caught in the rotating milling drum. The investigation found the manufacturer safety guard was not fitted and that operating this way was common practice, showing the serious consequences of failing to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery.

What Was The Incident?

On 14 February 2024, a 32 year old worker was operating a road milling machine at a road scheme in Basingstoke. The operator foot became caught by the rotating milling drum and the worker was dragged into the machine. Emergency services had to amputate the right leg at the scene to free the worker from the equipment.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It was fined £92,450 and ordered to pay £6,781 in costs. The prosecution related to the failure to take effective measures to prevent access to dangerous parts of the machinery.

Key Points To Consider

Fit manufacturer guards and keep them in place. Where equipment is supplied with a protective guard intended to restrict access to dangerous parts, it must be correctly attached and used during operation.

Prevent access to dangerous moving parts. Employers must take effective measures to stop people reaching dangerous rotating components, rather than relying on work methods alone.

Avoid unsafe practices becoming routine. If operating without required protection becomes common practice, it increases the likelihood of serious harm and will undermine any risk controls.

Use mobile work equipment in line with safety instructions. Mobile work equipment should be operated according to the manufacturer health and safety instructions, including requirements for guards and protective systems.

Treat guard failures as wholly preventable risks. Serious incidents linked to poorly guarded equipment are avoidable, so you should verify guarding arrangements before use and address any missing or defective parts immediately.

HSE Prosecution Link