“Life changing injuries could have been prevented if a safe system of work had been in place”- Laura Dempster, HSE inspector

01 July 2024

Ensuring safety in the workplace is now more crucial than ever and WM. Russell & Sons Limited, a family-owned ‘skip hire, waste, and recycling’ business, gained personal experience of the severe ramifications that failing to implement a safe system of work (SSOW) can have.

On 09/04/21, Barry Edward Pae, an employee of WM. Russell & Sons Limited, sustained serious and irreversible injuries from attempting to change the blades of a rapid granulator machine. These injuries include a complete amputation of his left index, middle and ring finger, and an open fracture to his left wrist.

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive it was concluded that the company, had failed to provide sufficient information, instruction, and training on how to isolate the granulator when changing the cutter blades or carrying out other maintenance. WM. Russell & Sons Limited  pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and 33(1)(a) Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and were fined £24,000.

This unfortunate accident illustrates how regardless of your industry, creating and maintaining a SSOW should always be a priority. A SSOW is a thorough analysis of the potential hazards followed by the development of competent procedures to mitigate those risks. Then through review and effective communication amongst the workforce, these systems can be altered and improved.  Although seemingly complex, SSOW are indispensable as they are designed to reduce risk, protect employees, and ultimately save lives.

Contact the regulatory team here for more information. This article was written by Katie Donnelli-Hunn.