Failure to guard concrete mixing machinery results in life changing injuries

An investigation by the HSE found that a manufacturer of architectural concrete had failed to take sufficient steps to guard against the risks of entrapment and injury posed by a concrete pan mixer. The employee was exposed to the risk of serious injury by requiring him to operate the mixer with the lid open whilst standing next to it. There was a failure to provide guards or to interlock the operation of the mixer in order to reduce the risk of accidental entrapment or foreseeable misuse.  There was also a failure to train, instruct and supervise the employee to ensure that he was aware of, and followed, safe procedures for working on or near the mixer whilst it was in operation. 

See HSE report

• Ensure appropriate guarding and prevention measures are in place
• Ensure appropriate Safe System of Work is in place and risk assessment up to date
• Ensure operator has appropriate training to use equipment

‘Contact with Moving Machinery and Isolation’ is one of the MPA’s ‘Fatal 6’ – the high consequence hazards that have accounted for most of the fatalities and major injuries within the industry. Resources are available to help employers to ensure that their plant and equipment can be operated and maintained safely, including:

• A Guide to Avoiding Contact with Moving Machinery and Isolation MPA 172pg A5 Best Practice for Isolation HB_JUNE 19_WEB.pdf (safequarry.com)
• A Guide to Energy Isolation and Lockout MPA_Energy Iso LOTOTO 32pg Handbook V8 Final Print Copy.pdf (safequarry.com)
• QNJAC Isolation Self Audit QNJAC Isolation Audit FINAL 090719 Watermark electronic version.docx (live.com)
• Guide to Safe Cleaning of Pan Mixers MPA_Guide_to_Cleaning_Concrete_Pan_Mixers_2021.pdf (safequarry.com)