Estrella Fined SEK 200,000 After Employee Gets Stuck in Machine
Snack manufacturer Estrella has been fined SEK 200,000 by the authorities after one of its employees got both hands stuck in a machine and suffered injuries, according to SVT Nyheter Väst.
The incident occurred in November of last year at the company’s factory in Gothenburg. The employee was attempting to clean the machine while it was still in operation when his hand got stuck. In his attempt to free himself, his other hand also became trapped. As a result, the man sustained severe injuries to both hands, which required several months of sick leave for recovery.
The prosecutor handling the case argues that Estrella failed to implement adequate safety measures to prevent such accidents and should therefore bear responsibility for the employee’s injuries.
“We have chosen not to appeal. We think it is sad what has happened. And constantly work systematically with a safe workplace,” said Ulrika Wallberg, the CEO of Estrella, in a statement to SVT.
The incident raises concerns about workplace safety and the importance of implementing proper protocols to prevent accidents. Estrella’s employees and other companies in the manufacturing sector will be anticipating improvements in safety measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
It is crucial for companies to prioritize employee safety and maintain a safe working environment. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences, not only in terms of fines and legal ramifications, but also in terms of employee well-being and morale.
The incident serves as a reminder for all organizations to continually assess their safety protocols and ensure that they are effectively implemented and followed by all employees. Workplace accidents can be devastating, and it is the responsibility of employers to prioritize the protection and well-being of their workforce.