A major workplace health and safety breach has led to a significant fine for an East Yorkshire company after an employee suffered a catastrophic workplace injury while operating machinery. AB Agri Limited, a company producing animal feed, has been fined more than half a million pounds after a worker’s lower arm was severed in a horrific accident at its premises in Fridaythorpe, Driffield.
Untrained Worker Suffers Life-Altering Injury
The tragic incident occurred on November 3, 2021, when 34-year-old Bartosz Gaj, a blender operative, attempted to clear a blockage in a conveyor mechanism. His hand became entangled in the machine, resulting in the amputation of his right arm below the elbow. At the time of the workplace accident, Mr Gaj had only been employed at the company for a few months.
The injury had a profound impact on his life, preventing him from returning to work for more than two years and forcing him to adapt to new ways of managing daily tasks.
Lack of Safety Measures and Training Exposed
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found serious safety failings at AB Agri Limited. The newly installed conveyor had frequent blockages, requiring operators to manually intervene by removing a slide plate and clearing the obstruction before resetting the system.
However, employees were not adequately trained in proper isolation procedures, increasing the risk of severe workplace injuries. Investigators also found that there was no systematic process in place to check that essential safety guards and protective measures were functional before the conveyor was used.
HSE guidelines explicitly state that businesses must implement effective measures to prevent access to dangerous machinery parts. Equipment must also be isolated before maintenance or intervention, and employees must receive sufficient training to safely perform these tasks.
Legal Consequences for AB Agri Limited
AB Agri Limited, headquartered at the Weston Centre in London, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Hull Magistrates’ Court subsequently imposed a substantial fine of £566,000, alongside additional legal costs of £6,410.
Following the hearing, HSE inspector Sally Gay emphasised that the accident could have been avoided had proper safety assessments and procedures been in place.
“The life-changing injury Mr Gaj suffered could so easily have been avoided by properly assessing the risks and applying the correct control measures and safe working practices,” she said. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
This prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Jayne Wilson and paralegal officer Lucy Gallagher, reinforcing the regulatory body’s commitment to holding businesses accountable for worker safety.
Workplace Safety Failures Continue to Put UK Workers at Risk
The case of Bartosz Gaj serves as a stark reminder of the risks that employees face when workplace safety is not prioritised. It also highlights the legal and financial repercussions businesses may face if they fail to comply with health and safety regulations. Employers must ensure that risk assessments are regularly reviewed, employees receive adequate training, and proper safety mechanisms are in place to prevent such devastating accidents.
The Workers Union Says…
“Ensuring workplace safety is not just a legal requirement; it is a moral duty. Employers who neglect their obligations must be held accountable, and workers deserve the right to a safe and secure working environment. This case is a harsh lesson in why robust safety procedures must always be a priority. The Workers Union urges companies to take proactive steps in safeguarding their employees, reinforcing that no worker should be exposed to unnecessary dangers due to inadequate training or faulty safety measures.”
