Armagh Firm Fined Over Unguarded Machinery

Armagh waste management firm Envirogreen Polymers Limited has been hit with a £5,000 fine for failing to ensure the safety at work of its employees.

The prosecution, led by the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI), was held against the company for failing to adequately prevent access to the dangerous parts of a baler machine.

At Newry Magistrates Court yesterday, 20 September, the company was issued the fine after pleading guilty to failing to ensure employee safety.


The Court heard that on 15 August 2019, an HSENI inspection found that a safety interlock on a baling machine had been bypassed, meaning there were no measures in place to stop employees accessing dangerous parts of the machine during operation.

HSENI Inspector, Kiara Blackburn said: "Employers have a legal duty to ensure employees and others are not put at risk from unguarded machinery.

"Interlocked guards are vital to ensure machines cannot be started before the guard is closed, and to prevent the machine being opened while its mechanism is moving."

Poorly maintained, absent or bypassed machinery guards have the potential to cause serious crush injuries and traumatic amputations.