Safety failings cost brewery £29k

Wye Valley Brewery, in Hereford, was prosecuted for safety failings following an HSE investigation into the accident, which took place on February 20 2013.

Hereford Magistrates’ Court was told on Tuesday (Janurary 20) the accident happened when the 34-year-old employee entered an empty mash tun, or large steel vessel used to cook barley in hot water, to clean it. But the stirrer was still in operation and his right foot became caught.

His right foot became caught​

The man – who asked to remain anonymous – had to be rescued by colleagues. He was off work for two days but subsequently returned to work.

The HSE probe revealed the accident could have been prevented if the company had assessed the risks and put safeguards in place to manage them. The investigation also revealed the brewery had no safe system of work or emergency rescue procedure.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Tariq Khan said: “Wye Valley Brewery had advice and information about devising safe systems of work for entry into confined spaces, but ignored it and failed to consider the risks to its employees.​

‘Suffered a painful injury’​

“As a result, a man suffered a painful injury. He was very fortunate that colleagues heard his cries for help and managed to rescue him in time.”​

Wye Valley Brewery Limited, of Stoke Lacy, Hereford, pleaded guilty to 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 and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £9,632 in costs.

Meanwhile, earlier this week crisp manufacturer Tyrrells was ordered to pay £13,000​ after one of its workers lost part on a finger when it became trapped in an industrial fryer.