A Warwickshire worker faces an uncertain future after suffering a severe arm injury in a workplace accident. Andrew Elson, a 54-year-old from Rugby, sustained multiple fractures to his ulna and radius while clearing debris from a radial arm drill at Screening Consultancy and Supplies Ltd.
The accident, which occurred on November 25, 2022, required Elson to undergo surgery to repair six bone fractures. Reflecting on his recovery, he expressed concern for the future: “I lost my independence for nearly two months, relying on my wife for everything. I’m unsure of what lies ahead.”
As a manual labourer, Elson is uncertain about his ability to continue working: “I rely on my hands for my job, but now I struggle with stiffness, numbness, and pain in my fingers. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to keep doing this.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation, revealing that the company failed to conduct a proper risk assessment or implement a safe working procedure. Screening Consultancy and Supplies Ltd admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £28,000. They were also ordered to pay £3,616 in costs following the ruling at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on September 19.
HSE Inspector Charlie Rowe emphasised the significance of the case: “This prosecution underscores the importance of employers thoroughly assessing risks and ensuring safe systems of work are in place for all machinery operations.”
