Worker loses leg in UK paper mill accident

Amicus, the largest manufacturing union in the UK, is concerned by the health and safety at a paper mill which led to a worker having his leg amputated after an accident at work.

A contractor was injured while replacing a press roll in the basement of M-Real, a paper mill based in Kemsley, Sittingbourne, UK. The contractor suffered severe open wounds to his leg and was air-lifted to hospital where his leg was subsequently amputated below the knee.

The experienced crew of five plus one contractor had 117 years of paper mill experience between them when the accident happened as a four tonne press roll was being lowered. An investigation by the health & safety executive and the company has gone underway to determine exactly what went wrong.

Amicus assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: ‘It is clear that this type of accident could occur in other mills, to either contractors or full time employees. Amicus is calling on all safety reps to ensure that they are involved in discussions with their employers about avoiding this type of accident and that full consideration is given to long term solutions to remove this potential problem in the future.

‘We would also like to see a system of inspecting and maintaining drain covers and a system to re-assess risks in all areas after any changes in procedures or technology.

‘Amicus will be working with the Confederation of Paper Industries to ensure these changes take place so we avoid other dangerous situations for paper industry workers.’

Amicus has issued to union safety reps written advice from the CPI to paper companies. It will be also be available on the Amicus website.