The family of a man who was crushed to death whilst at work are seeking compensation, on the grounds that workers were not properly informed how to safely operate a piece of machinery.
Nazar Hussain worked at the Nestle food manufacturing plant in Bradford when the accident occurred in December 2008. The accident took place when Mr. Hussain’s colleague re-started a piece of machinery, failing to realise that Mr. Hussain was still inside the depalletiser after clearing a blockage of sweet tins.
The Mr. Husseins injuries were fatal, and the 55 year old was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The Health and Safety Executive swiftly conducted an investigation into the incident and concluded that Nestle had failed to provide employees with the necessary information regarding the machine’s safety key device. Had this information been communicated effectively, the accident could have possibly been avoided.
In addition, it has been reported that Nestle had received written advice on how to improve health and safety measures for employees using the depalletiser. This advice was not employed.
The firm pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, at a hearing in Bradford this month. Nestle was fined £180,000 “inexcusable negligence” and was ordered to pay over £40,000 in legal costs.