Third company prosecuted for worker losing arm
Balloo Hire Centre Limited was fined £13,500 at Laganside Crown Court on 9th October for breaches of health and safety legislation after pleading guilty to two charges brought against it by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).
The case relates to an incident that occurred on 11 October 2010 during the laying of a new play park surface at St Bernadette’s Primary School, Belfast.
Thomas McAreavey, who was working alongside his father, was using an unguarded paddle mixer when his left arm caught in the paddles. His arm was torn off by the machine and surgeons were unable to reattach it.
The investigation found that the paddle mixer, which was manufactured around 1985, was unsuitable for the type of work being carried out. The openings in the guard were too large and, of most concern, it could be operated with the guard open, thereby exposing the dangerous moving paddles.
The machine was cross-hired by Balloo Hire Centre Limited from J.B. Plant Hire and provided to Scott Ferguson Building Company who employed Mr McAreavey. JB Plant Hire and Scott Ferguson Building Company were sentenced at a previous hearing of Laganside Crown Court for health and safety offences arising out of the case.
After the hearing, Karen Robinson, an inspector with HSENI’s Major Investigation Team said:
“This accident has had the most profound and devastating consequences for Thomas McAreavey.
“Guards and safety systems are there for a reason, and companies have a legal duty of care to ensure they are properly fitted and working effectively at all times.
“Being injured by machines because of inadequate guarding happens far too regularly.
“The importance of robust safeguards to protect workers gaining access to dangerous moving machinery cannot be overstated. A dangerous machine like this one should never have been hired or used.”
Article from HSENI press release
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