International paper manufacturer fined £200,000 after worker’s death

An international paper manufacturer has been ordered to pay £260,000 in fines and costs for serious safety failings after a mill worker was crushed between two large rollers running at full production speed.

There had been significant production problems with paper breaks and waste material affecting the process. The 45-year-old worker gained access to the large rollers by opening an unlocked gate, & used a long-handled tool to clear waste material. The rollers were running at 131 metres a minute. He was drawn into the rollers and suffered severe crush injuries.

HSE found significant failings by the company in guarding the rollers and in training given to workers. The company was fined £200,000.

His widow said: "Words cannot describe the gap left in our lives by his death. Today's court decision can never bring him back but does give us a sense of justice.”

HSE Inspector, Jo Fitzgerald, said: "Fast moving machinery is a well-known hazard and must be properly guarded. Managers must take an honest look at how things are done and involve their workforce in identifying problems and improvements."

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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-sw-arjowiggins.htm?eban=rss-