personal injury accident claims specialists, for more information or to make a claim call 0800 180 4076 or complete our quick contact form.”>Although the perception of Health and Safety in the workplace is sometimes derided in the press as unnecessary red tape for businesses a recent case highlights the importance of companies abiding by the codes laid down by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A sawmill worker working for Windymains Timber Ltd in East Lothian became trapped in a machine called a drop sorter used to process logs. In an attempt to remove a jam in the machine a Polish worker, Mr Krzaczek, was dragged into the machines conveyor belt.

Mr Krzaczek suffered serious damage to his leg which was broken in 3 places and he also suffered significant damages to the nerves in the leg.

A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found Mr Krzaczek’s employers had not completed an adequate risk assessment for the circumstance of the drop loaded becoming jammed and the measures that needed to be taken for employees to safely clear the blockage.

The machine itself also did not meet the required standards as the guarding in place to prevent access by workers to the machines conveyor belt was inadequate.

Windymains Timber were found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and fined 20,000.

An inspector for the HSE noted “This horrific incident caused severe injuries and could very easily have led to the death of Mr Krzaczek.

“It was entirely preventable and simple precautions would have protected workers from the moving parts of the machinery. Had Windymains Timber carried out an effective risk assessment, it would have recognised the guarding in place at the time was simply not good enough.”

Such horrific instances highlight why workers need to be protected by legislation and that if employers fail to abide by laws to protect workers from unnecessary injuries then workers have every right to pursue personal injury compensation claims their employers if they suffer an injury.

The Paul Rooney Partnership are personal injury accident claims specialists, for more information or to make a claim call 0800 180 4076 or complete our quick contact form.