Worker Survives Horrific Accident

A worker who was dragged through a 12.5-cm gap sustained extensive injuries but somehow managed to survive the accident at work.

On the 19th December 2008, Matthew Lowe, then aged 23, was working at his employer's premises in Barugh Green, Barnsley, when the accident occurred. Mr Lowe was operating a computer-controlled conveyor machine used to transport steel beams when he attempted to inspect a line through an outlet point.

Unfortunately, Mr Lowe's clothing caught on the machine, causing him to be dragged through an opening on the machine head that was no wider that 12.5 cm. Despite managing to cheat death, Mr Lowe sustained truly horrific injuries in the accident. Mr Lowe's back was broken in two places and his pelvis completely shattered. The worker also suffered fractures to his hips, right arm and ribs and ruptured both his bowel and stomach.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that no adequate guarding had been installed to protect workers from moving machinery components. Mr Lowe's employer, Compass Engineering Limited and the supplier of the machine, Kaltenbach Limited, were subsequently prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive. The case has been remitted to Sheffield Crown Court for sentencing.

Personal injury claims and medical claims are often brought following accidents in the UK's manufacturing industry. Every year, thousands of workers suffer major injuries such as broken bones and whiplash as a result of preventable accidents. In the present case, installing a guard to protect workers from moving components would have prevented Mr Lowe's horrific accident – a simple measure that would have cost little time and expense.

Speaking after the hearing at Barnsley Magistrates' Court, Mr Lowe said: "What matters most is that the industry learns from my experience. My life has changed forever and no matter how well I recover from my physical injuries I will still have the psychological impact of the accident hanging over me.

"I hope my case highlights the dangers posed by not following health and safety regulations. I still won't be able to put my life back to how it was before the accident, but at least it might prevent others from suffering in the future. Too many people are needlessly killed and injured in accidents at work.

"If hearing my story makes them think twice about safety and about the daily risks they face in the work place, then I'll be happy. Eliminating risk is now a big part of my life as I train to become a site supervisor. I know more than most why that is so important – and I really hope that message gets through."