A farming company based in Bradford has been prosecuted, after a farm worker slipped and fell into a manure machine, nearly losing his right foot as a result.

In January 2009, the farm worker was employed by CK Hanson and Son Ltd when he fell into a manure auger – a screw conveyor that removes manure from battery hen houses. The unnamed employer was trapped by both feet in the machinery and at one stage emergency workers thought they might have to amputate one of his feet to release him, as the doctor attending became seriously concerned for his welfare.

The worker lost the big toe on his right foot and part of his heel in the farm accident. He also broke all his toes and severely damaged his right ankle. The employee is currently still off work recovering from his injuries.

The HSE investigation found that the auger had not been sufficiently guarded when the worker slipped in.

On Monday (26/04/10) at Bradford Magistrates’ Court, CK Hanson and Son Ltd – of Scholebrook Farm, Tong in Bradford – pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,395 costs.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Charlie Callis said that CK Hanson & Son only needed to install correctly fitted guarding to the manure auger to prevent the accident.

‘This worker nearly lost his foot, and he has suffered long-term injuries – all because his employer failed to ensure the machine was properly guarded,’ said Mr Callis.

‘Employers must thoroughly plan work activities around dangerous machinery, to account for any risks and to avoid these incidents from happening,’ he added.

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