Manufacturing firms told to ensure machinery is safe

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has urged British manufacturing companies to carry out the correct safety procedures when asking employees to operate potentially dangerous machinery.

This comes after a Cheshire worker severed his finger when trying to remove debris from a rotating table.

HSE inspector Martin Paren said: "Manufacturing firms must make the safety of employees their top priority to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future."

Some 4,000 people suffered a major injury while working in this sector over 2010-11, according to the latest figures from the executive, while 27 employees lost their lives in various incidents.

The HSE advises that anyone involved in a situation where safeguards will be necessary, such as operating a machine, should have access to appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure their wellbeing.

This can include safety gloves and other kinds of protective workwear, all of which should be kept clean and in good repair by the employer.

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