On 7 July 2015, a worker entered the middle of an aluminium diecasting machine at Presbar Diecastings Ltd to undertake routine clearing work. During this, the machine, which has a robotic arm and is used to scoop molten metal – at a temperature of over 400C – into moulds, started to move. The machine’s ladle trapped the worker, causing fourth-degree burns to his back, and causing a cardiac arrest and stroke. Despite recovering, the worker now suffers from serious memory loss and is forced to live in sheltered accommodation, Manchester Crown Court heard.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the machine was only partially guarded, making access to it possible. This was despite there being a risk assessment in place at the time that identified the hazards of the ladle.
HSE principal inspector, Mike Sebastian, said: “A man suffered life changing injuries which could have been prevented if the machine had been properly guarded. Employers should ensure that they regularly check, assess and review the guarding on their machinery to ensure that all access to dangerous parts is prevented.”
Presbar Diecasting Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. They were fined £140,000 and ordered to pay £9,788.56 in costs, plus a £120 victim surcharge.
