AN ANIMAL feed manufacturer has been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries in a conveyor accident.
The incident took place at Factory Services UK Limited’s site in Knowsley on Moorgate Road, Deacon Park, part of the Knowsley Industrial Park.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, maintenance engineer Daniel Slinger was working a night shift when he was asked to investigate an issue with a conveyor.
While the conveyor was still running, Mr Slinger reached through a hole in the side of the conveyor casing to clear away material.
His arm was pulled into the unguarded machinery.
There was no guard in place and no emergency stop button in the area.
Mr Slinger was working alone at the time and tried to raise the alarm by waving at a CCTV camera.
No one responded, but after 40 seconds, he was able to free his arm.
He suffered catastrophic injuries to his forearm and hand, including a fracture and extensive degloving.
He has undergone multiple operations and blood transfusions and continues to receive specialist treatment.
He has not yet been able to return to work.
Ian Betley, HSE inspector, said: "Mr Slinger suffered devastating and life-altering injuries as a result of this preventable incident.
"Had the correct protections been in place, he would not have been exposed to the dangerous parts of a running conveyor through a hole cut into the machine."
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Factory Services UK Limited had allowed access to dangerous machine parts for years.
The hole in the conveyor had been cut years earlier to allow workers to clear blockages while the machine was running.
A second conveyor on site had a similar unauthorised access point.
Despite routine inspections and audits, the dangerous modifications had not been identified or addressed.
Following the incident, the company installed a fixed mesh guard and an emergency stop button at the location.
Factory Services UK Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The case was heard at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on September 8, 2026.
The company was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,728.
Mr Betley said: "Factory Services UK Limited had risk assessments and safe systems of work, but they were not followed or enforced.
"Employers must ensure guarding is properly maintained, safe systems are implemented, and workers are protected from foreseeable risks."
Share