Exclusive Cleaners UK Ltd in a spin after workers arm burned

A commercial laundry firm in Southend has been fined for safety failings after an employee crushed and burned his arm when it was pulled into an industrial ironing machine.

A commercial laundry firm in Southend has been fined for safety failings after an employee crushed and burned his arm when it was pulled into an industrial ironing machine.

Badrul Islam, aged 23, from Southend, lost two fingers on his right hand as a result of the incident at Exclusive Cleaners UK Ltd, in Southchurch Road, on 25 August last year.

Southend Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday (21 November) that he was cleaning a heated steel roller on the machine with a cloth when his arm was pulled inside and was pinned against the roller, causing him serious crush and burn injuries.

His injuries were so severe that two fingers later required amputation. Mr Islam spent more than two months in hospital and underwent numerous skin graft operations. He is still unable to work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Exclusive Cleaners after it was made aware of the incident through a civil claim

Magistrates were told that a company director was supervising Mr. Islam at the time, and that the incident was entirely preventable.

A HSE investigation found that a fixed guard had been removed from the ironing machine, which was fully operational with the roller heating to around 80 degrees Celsius, Warning labels were in place advising that the machine must be switched off before any servicing, including cleaning, took place, and that it should not be operated without guards. However, this guidance was ignored.

Furthermore, the ‘major injury’ incident was never reported to HSE, despite this being a legal requirement.

Exclusive Cleaners UK Ltd, of Southchurch Road, Southend, pleaded guilty breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and Regulation 3(1) of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. The company was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,000.

via RNN media information for journalists and the press – Press Releases – SOUTHEND LAUNDRY FINED AFTER WORKER’S ARM BURNED – RNN media information for journalists and the press.