Penalty after farm horror

A farmer in Shropshire has been ordered to pay nearly £10,000 for breaching health and safety regulations after a teenager’s arm was cut off by a combine harvester.

Ludlow magistrates heard 17-year-old Richard Higgins lost his arm when it was caught and drawn into the blades of the machine after he went to colleague John Huffer’s aid.

Neil Morris, 27, of Nash, Ludlow, admitted two health and safety charges and was ordered to pay £9,334 following the Health and Safety Executive prosecution.

The court heard Mr Huffer was sharpening the blades at a farm in Burwarton, near Bridgnorth, last October.

The safety guards had been removed for blade cleaning and had not been put back on, but the court heard this was normal practice.

While sharpening, the stone which traverses the blade had become jammed so he reached inside and tried to dislodge it with a hammer.

HSE inspector Janice Dale said seeing his colleague in trouble, Mr Higgins went over to help.

She said he also put his hand arm inside and it was drawn in and severed just below the elbow.

“I am sure I don’t have to tell you how losing an arm would affect a 17-year-old,” she told the court.

Mrs Dale said, although Mr Morris had made risk assessment, it was not suitable or sufficient.

Mr Neil Davies, for Morris, said he had contacted the HSE immediately after the accident. He said his client had now drawn up a comprehensive risk assessment guide which all employees have to read and sign.

“He is certainly not trying to shirk his responsibilities,” said Mr Davies.

The court heard Mr Higgins bore no grudge against Morris and their two families, who had been friends for many years, remained so.

Presiding magistrate Janice Haines, said: “We feel preventing access to the cutter blades is the more serious of the two offences. It resulted in a serious injury.”

Mr Morris was fined £3,500 for that and fined £1,500 for failing to make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. He was also ordered to pay £4,334 costs.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Dale said: “People need to make sure the safety guards are put on machines during all activities.”

By Catherine Roche