An Essex-based tyre refurbishment company has been fined £54,000 after a worker sustained severe injuries when he was pulled into a malfunctioning machine. The accident occurred on 19 August 2021 at D&D Commercial Services Limited’s premises in Rainham, resulting in significant injuries to 42-year-old Neal Hetherington from Woodford Green.
Mr Hetherington, who was operating a tyre buffing machine, was caught by his t-shirt and dragged into the equipment’s spinning blades. At the time of the accident, the machine was slowing down after use, but it had not come to a full stop. As a result, part of Mr Hetherington’s torso was severely damaged. He was immediately taken to hospital and required extensive medical treatment. The injuries left him unable to work for several months.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that D&D Commercial Services Limited had failed to ensure that crucial safety features on the machine were functioning properly. Specifically, the hold-to-run controls and the brake system on the rotating rasp, which should have halted the machine immediately, were not operational. Instead, the machine continued freewheeling for around five minutes after use, posing a serious risk to workers.
Court Hearing and Outcome
D&D Commercial Services Limited was prosecuted under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires employers to ensure the safety and welfare of their employees. The company did not enter a plea and was found guilty at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court on 4 September 2024. In addition to the £54,000 fine, the company was ordered to pay £6,000 in costs.
HSE Inspector Oscar Dower, who led the investigation, emphasised the broader significance of the case. “This sends a clear message to the industry: companies that fail to protect their workers will be held accountable,” he said. “The injuries sustained in this incident were entirely preventable. If the company had ensured that the machine’s safety features were working as they should, this accident would not have happened.”
Inspector Dower added that the case highlighted the importance of maintaining proper safety protocols and regularly inspecting machinery. “Employers must make sure that all safety features are functional to protect their workers from avoidable risks,” he said.
Industry Implications
The fine imposed on D&D Commercial Services serves as a stark warning to other companies in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Machinery safety remains a critical concern for businesses, and failure to ensure proper maintenance and adherence to safety protocols can result in catastrophic consequences, both for workers and employers.
This incident underscores the importance of strict compliance with health and safety regulations. Employers are being reminded that regular equipment inspections, proper training, and functioning safety mechanisms are non-negotiable when it comes to protecting employees from harm.
