While visiting the Norwich paper recycler's Ketteringham site in January to investigate a recent fatal accident, HSE inspectors noticed issues concerning transport on the site which led to the serving of the enforcement notice.
The enforcement notice is not directly related to the investigation into the death of Kevin Arnup in December on the site but was raised as a consequence of the inspectors' visits. A HSE spokesperson said: “Whilst visiting the site the inspectors felt that there was a risk to the public from the moving vehicles. It is a consequence of their visits to the site but it is a separate issue.”
The enforcement was issued because inspectors noticed that members of a community recycling group who use the site were in the area where vehicles were operating and had not been trained for this, posing a potential danger.
Investigation
Meanwhile, the funeral was held this week of Mr Arnup, 36, at St Catherine's Church in Mile Cross. The joint investigation between the HSE and the police into his death at MW White continues.
It is thought that Mr Arnup died at the premises of the Norfolk paper recycler when he entered a paper hogging machine to make adjustments without the power supply being properly disabled (see letsrecycle.com story).
The HSE has told letsrecycle.com that the investigation is still ongoing into the accident and until it has finished no statements will be available.
It is expected that attention of the investigation report will focus on the isolator switches as well as other issues.
Commenting in the wake of the accident on December 22, James Barrett, head of HSE's manufacturing sector, said: “Machines still kill people. Our inspectors all too regularly investigate fatal accidents. One common feature is the failure to properly isolate and lock off power before carrying out work on machines. It is really so depressing when you know that simply locking off the power before you start work could save somebody's life.”
The HSE is now working on a report with the police and deciding whether any charges should be brought against the company concerned. A HSE spokeswoman said that a decision on any charges would be made “when they decide who is going to prosecute, it may be ourselves or the police, or maybe there will be two prosecutions.”
Guidance
Paper recyclers are the target of new guidance on health and safety from the HSE, although this is not as a direct consequence of the accident at MW White.
Later this month the HSE will launch a free publication targeting the paper recycling industry. Mr Barrett said: “Recycling paper is big business. Most of us do it, and more and more local authorities are making it one of their top priorities to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. But how many people know that recycling paper can be fatal?”
The launch on Wednesday February 25 at the Forest of Arden Hotel, Coventry will include a free half-day seminar for those in the paper recycling industry. Topics to be covered include preventing back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems and the legal responsibilities of employers.
Mr Barrett added: “All too often the health and safety of people working in the industry is given insufficient attention, the machinery used, including conveyors and balers, is straightforward but accidents at these machines sometimes sadly result in loss of life. Bulk paper is heavy and many of the workers suffer from bad backs or other musculoskeletal problems.”
For more details on the seminar or to book a place, contact Jacqui Dracup at the Health and Safety Executive on 01342 334308 or by e-mail on jacqui.dracup@hse.gsi.gov.uk.
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