Sawmill fined after worker is injured

Jun 4 2008 Lennox Herald

SAWMILL owners have been fined £6000 after an employee broke two ribs in an accident at the plant.

Robert Law, who had been with the firm for more than 30 years, fell off a conveyor belt which was being repaired at Ridings Sawmills in Cardross on January 10.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard last week that the machine was only partially turned off and was turned on by another operator after the man stepped onto it.

The company admitted failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees.

Fiscal depute Scott Simpson said the sawmill had three mechanical conveyor belts, which were used for moving logs, and all were controlled by a computer based device.

He added: “One of the directors was carrying out maintenance work realigning chains on part of the conveyor belt. He had switched off that part of the system but that didn’t mean the entire system was switched off.

“Mr Law referred to in the complaint offered to assist that director and climbed up some steps onto the conveyor belt.

“At that point, while he was there, the conveyor belt started moving and Mr Law fell then jumped from the conveyor belt onto a platform.

“As a result he had certain injuries including two broken ribs and a bruised kidney.

“He returned to work just after the middle of February.”

Mr Simpson said the company had one previous analogous conviction.

A solicitor for the firm said it was a family-owned business which employed 42 people at the site in Cardross.

She added: “Mr Riding became aware that Robert Law was going to go onto the machine and he immediately tried to turn off the part of the machine that had not been isolated. Another operator started the conveyor which caused Mr Law to fall.”

The solicitor told the court that new safety procedures had been put in place following the accident, including additional guarding and a key lock on the equipment.

The sawmill, she said, had also employed an independent health and safety consultant.

She added: “The directors of the company have asked me to express their regret that the accident took place.”

Fining the firm £6000, Sheriff Des Leslie said: “Situations like this are always very concerning. It is particularly alarming when there is a previous conviction which may have arisen from a similar set of circumstances. I do have regard to and am impressed by the steps taken by the company since this incident occurred.”

The company also paid Mr Law compensation and full pay when he was off work sick.