Risk assessment warning issued by safety organisation

A risk assessment warning has been issued following the injury of an employee.

As a consequence of an incident which occurred in June 2007, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers to ensure the presence of safeguards to protect employees from machinery parts considered to be dangerous.

"HSE publishes approved codes of practice, guidance and numerous information leaflets to give practical advice on machinery guarding," said Andrew Bowker, a representative from the HSE.

"Allowing machines to be operated with critical parts not working and without suitable and appropriate guards and safe systems of work is reckless and blatantly ignores the safety of employees."

In relation to the incident, two firms faced prosecution in relation to a number of violations, including breaches of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulations 12(1)(a) and 12(1)(e) of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992.

The HSE was established in 1974.