Could automotive incident inspire use of facilities management health and safety processes?
July 23rd 15:57 Health and Safety
Businesses in the UK could be tempted to adopt facilities management health and safety techniques following an incident at an automotive plant in Birmingham.
Dura Automotive Body and Glass Systems, which is based in the Castle Bromwich area, was fined £30,000 following prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an employee was hit by a manufacturing robot.
Birmingham Crown Court was told how Michael Brewer suffered a damaged voice box and was almost paralysed down one side of his body as a result of the incident.
HSE inspector Edward Fryer said: "This is a prime example of a company failing to address the risks relating to maintenance work.
"Maintenance personnel often have to work within the guarded area of machinery, sometimes in the face of significant production pressure. Safe access arrangements must be provided and these should be written into maintenance procedures and have full management commitment."
The firm was also ordered to pay £20,000 after being prosecuted for breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
