On 24 March 2017, 44 year old John Dullam was working on the machine at Narracott Farm, South Molton, when his overalls became entangled in the drum feed intake (mouth of the thresher machine). His legs were pulled into the machine and became trapped. He suffered serious injuries as a result of the incident. Mr Dullam and his father, both from Bishops Nympton are co-directors of the company.
The HSE’s investigation found that the drum belt feeding the mouth of the comber lacked effective guarding, preventing any person coming into contact with the drum. Following a blockage, Mr Dullam climbed up and over the top of the comber and stepped down onto the platform where the drum feeding mouth was located. The machine re-started causing his protruding coveralls to become entangled in the drum belt and he was drawn into the reed combing machine feet first.
Dullam & Co (Farmers) Ltd of Bishops Nympton, South Molton pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 (1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It was fined £6,000 and with costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £120.
Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Paul Mannell said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures for machinery guarding and safe working practices.
“Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.”
Last week, SHP reported how farming was one of the most hazardous occupations in the UK and spoke to NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts about how making some small cost-effective changes can significantly reduce risk.
A 73-year-old man was killed on a farm in Co. Galway, Ireland, on Tuesday 25 July, highlighting the fact that farm workers over 65 are the most vulnerable.
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