Expert Calls For Employers To Recognise Importance Of Safety

Global manufacturing firm Kimberly-Clark has been fined £180,000 after a worker died when he was struck by a piece of machinery at an Andrex factory in Barrow-in-Furness.

Former rugby player Christopher Massey was looking through a gap in unguarded machinery to ensure paper was being fed correctly when a two-metre reel of tissue moved and struck him on the head. His body was discovered around 20 minutes later.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the machine had been modified several months earlier, a move which created a dangerous gap.

It was also heard in court that the factory was short-staffed and Mr Massey was working on part of the machine which he had not been trained to operate since the modification.

Workplace injury specialists at Irwin Mitchell act for a number of people who have been seriously hurt as a result of safety failings at work, as well as the families of those killed in such incidents.

Stephen Nye, Partner and expert in accident at work claims at the firm, said: “Guarding on machinery plays a fundamental role in protecting workers from potential harm and this terrible case highlights why health and safety needs to be a priority in the workplace.

“We are contacted on far too many occasions by people and families whose lives have been turned upside down as a result of employers failing to recognise the importance of keeping workers safe.

“All businesses need to realise that this is an issue which cannot be ignored, with the case acting as a very awful reminder about the consequences that failing to act on the issue of safety can have.”

If you have lost a loved one due to an accident at work, our serious injury solicitors could help you claim compensation to help get the answers you deserve. Visit our fatal accident claims or accidents at work claims page for more information.