A clinical waste disposal company has been fined £300,000 after a worker severed his left arm from the elbow down while attempting to unblock machinery at a site in Swindon.
The worker, who was 42 at the time of the incident, was working his usual night shift at Tradebe Healthcare National Limited’s site on Elgin Industrial Estate on in February 2022.
He was working alongside a colleague when he attempted to clear an obstruction from an autoclave machine. His left arm became trapped and was crushed by the machine’s door, severing it from the elbow down.
Doctors spend six hours saving worker’s arm
The injured worker was rushed to hospital, where doctors spent six hours saving his arm.
He has since undergone three major operations to restore use of his hand but continues to have very limited movement.
His treatment has included skin grafts taken from the thigh of his left leg, as well as veins taken from both legs and transplanted into his arm.
He continues to experience constant pain and struggles to complete many everyday tasks independently.
Autoclave used to sterilise waste
Autoclaves are pressure vessels with lids or doors. They are used in processes where products are subjected to pressures greater than atmospheric pressure and elevated temperatures.
A rotoclave is a type of autoclave that rotates during operation. This machine was being used for the high temperature sterilisation of waste.
The machine was surrounded by an enclosure that included an access gate at the rear.
The worker used this unsecured rear gate to enter the enclosure before reaching into the machinery to remove debris.
His colleague was unable to see him and, following a miscommunication, mistakenly resumed operation of the machine.
HSE investigation identifies multiple failings
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found multiple failings by Tradebe Healthcare National Limited.
The company had not put sufficient measures in place to prevent employees being placed at risk while clearing blockages.
Employees were also exposed to risk because the machinery was not properly isolated before cleaning.
HSE found that workers had not been provided with sufficient information and instruction on how to operate and clean the machine safely.
The investigation also found that employee training was inadequate and workers were not suitably supervised.
Safe isolation procedures highlighted
HSE guidance stresses the importance of following safe isolation and lock off procedures before maintenance or cleaning work is undertaken.
Employers must ensure machinery is properly isolated from power sources and that systems are regularly monitored and reviewed to prevent inadvertent start up.
Tradebe fined £300,000
Tradebe Healthcare National Limited, of Atlas House, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The company was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay costs of £18,710.
HSE inspector Emma Preston said: “This was a harrowing incident made more tragic by the fact that events of this kind are all-too foreseeable.
“Accidents which happen when cleaning and maintaining machinery often result in life-changing injuries, which is why companies need to make sure they have robust lock-off procedures, effective guarding, and that all sources of power are fully isolated before work begins.
“The man affected by this incident faces a long road to recovery and we hope today’s outcome provides him a measure of justice.”
