Weetabix fined after man loses fingertips

Companies are being warned to make sure machinery is suitably guarded after a worker lost his fingertips in a workplace accident, leading to his employer being prosecuted.

Weetabix was fined £3,500 and ordered to pay £1,490.40 costs by Kettering magistrates court after a 58-year-old member of staff was attempting to clear a rotary valve blockage while operating machinery.

While doing so he was exposed to moving parts of the valve and ultimately caught his hand in the machine, resulting in the loss of his fingertips.

Peter Snelgrave, from the Health and Safety Executive, believes the company was at fault here and urged others to take action to protect members of staff.

"Weetabix should have ensured that machinery was adequately guarded. There is plenty of advice and guidance available to help employers meet their legal responsibilities and keep their workers safe," he said.

The firm was found guilty of breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment.

Weetabix has been in existence since 1932.