Bakery to pay £9k after food-mixing machine accident

Preston Magistrates’ Court was told the 32-year-old baker’s hand became trapped in the mixing machine at Liddell’s Bakery on November 16 last year.

The worker, whose name was withheld, broke both bones in his left arm and required an operation to remove his ring finger.

Caught the baker’s wedding ring​

The court heard that the accident happened when a metal pin, attaching a dough hook, caught the baker’s wedding ring, pulling his arm into the machine.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the bakery, Alan Liddell trading as Liddell’s Bakery, had failed to guard the food mixer properly. That meant it was possible for staff to reach dangerous parts of the machine when it was in operation.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Leona Cameron said: “The dangers of unguarded machinery are well-known. ​

‘Not hesitate to take enforcement action’​

“Duty holders should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action when the required standards are not met and workers are put at risk.”​

Alan Liddell, partner in Liddell’s Bakery, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1)(a) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The bakery was been fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,071.70. The family-run bakery is based in Barnoldswick, Lancashire.

Meanwhile, last week Euro Packaging UK Ltd was fined £100,000​, for health and safety offences, after one of its worker’s hands was crushed by a print rolling machine. The accident resulted in the partial amputation of two fingers.

For the latest advice on avoiding accidents in the workplace visit the HSE’s website​.