Expert Demands Firms Adhere To Workplace Safety Guidance

Food manufacturer Heinz has been fined after a worker suffered serious hand injuries in an accident at work at the firm’s Wigan factory.

The employee lost his index finger and suffered deep cuts and nerve damage to his left hand in the incident in April 2008, when his gloved hand was pulled into a metal working machine at the site.

An investigation revealed that the company should have assessed and identified the potential safety issues which led to the work accident beforehand, while the firm also admitted to not providing proper training.

HJ Heinz Company Ltd was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of nearly £5,000 after pleading guilty to safety offences.

David Urpeth, a workplace injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: “This incident highlights the life-changing impact that accidents at work can often have on those involved.

“We represent a number of people who have suffered serious hand injuries and amputations as a result of safety failings in the workplace.

“One of the most devastating aspects of such incidents is that they are often entirely preventable through the correct use of risk assessments and the provision of necessary training.

“For the sake of their staff, companies can simply not afford to ignore the importance of health and safety in the workplace and need to fully demonstrate that the wellbeing of workers is a fundamental priority.”

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury at work, our specialist serious injury solicitors could help you to claim compensation. Visit our Accident at Work Claims page for more information.