HSE Releases New Information Sheet

The release of new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on the use of hand-fed platen or die cutting machines has been welcomed by an accident at work claims specialist at Irwin Mitchell.

It has been revealed that the safety body has written to businesses which are known to use the machines with a view to raising awareness of risks through a new information sheet.

According to the HSE, the move has come to bring the machinery in line with other high-risk devices including guillotines. Two platen operators were killed in the UK during 2007-08, while it is thought three other fatalities have also occurred in other countries since 2007.

David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, welcomed the launched of the new guidance on the machinery.

He said: “The safety of employees should always be a priority for businesses, so the HSE’s suggestion that current safeguards used on platen machines may not be sufficient must be taken seriously.

“We deal with so many workplace injury cases in which people have been seriously hurt in incidents which could have been avoided through the application of the correct guidance.

“Companies need to take heed of this advice and ensure they do all they can to allow their employees to work safely.”

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.