Packaging plant fatality

Prosecutions and Claims |
01.03.2006

A Lincolnshire packaging specialist has pleaded guilty to failing to protect the safety of a worker who was dragged into a press and killed.

DS Smith Packaging was fined £75,000 for an accident that a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector claims it could have avoided by spending £100 on a metal plate.

Colin Blades was trying to unblock the machine at the DS Smith plant at Louth near Skegness on 4 August 2004 when he accidentally restarted it and was fatally crushed. At Lincoln Crown Court, David Travers, prosecuting for the HSE, said the company could have foreseen the danger which was the result of fitting a  smaller conveyor belt to the press. On top of the fine, DS Smith Packaging was ordered to pay HSE costs of £13,300.