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7 December, 2007
UK affiliate Unite has called for more vigilance on machine guards in factories following the tragic death of a Kimberly Clark (KC) employee at Barrow-in-Furness on 8 November. That accident, in which 28-year-old Christopher Massey was dismembered by a Perini 900 series winder machine inside the tissue mill, has caused Unite to seek a statement from KC.
The company has responded by stating that the investigation is still ongoing by both the Health and Safety Executive and the company. Unite is seeking expedited information so as to encourage preventative measures in other workplaces.
The union’s review of the accident states that the machine had been modified by the manufacturer to handle two-ply sheets of tissue rolls. Christopher Massey was trapped by a cross bar connecting two guards – fitted as part of the modification – when the carriage moved into position as part of a reel change.
Unite states that it must be standard industry practice to review risk assessments on winder operations in the wake of this tragedy. Specifically, the union demands that all parts of machinery be properly guarded; that Safe Systems of Work are in place; that any manual intervention is governed strictly by Standard Operating Procedures; and that all personnel are competent.
The ICEM offered its condolences to United and to the family of Christopher Massey. That can be found here.
Unite is offering legal support to his family.