02 April 2012

Other News In Brief

Animal Feed Firm Sentenced Over Finger Loss

Lancashire animal feed firm has been sentenced after an employee lost one of his fingers in machinery.The 25-year-old worker was trying to clear a blockage at Merit (Feeds and Storage) Ltd when his hand became trapped at its factory at Oakenclough Mill near Garstang.

The company was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation found the man had been able to open the door on the machine while it was still operating.

Preston Magistrates’ Court was told the worker, who has asked not to be named, had opened the door when the machine became jammed while it produced animal feed pellets on 16 February 2010.

He was trying to clear the blockage when his right hand became caught in the machine’s rollers, leading to crush injuries and the loss of his middle finger. The court heard the machine had been fitted with a special lock to prevent it being opened while it was operating, but the lock was no longer in use.

Merit (Feeds and Storage) Ltd admitted breaching Regulation 11(1)(a) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 by failing to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery. The company was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £2,163 in prosecution costs on 30 March 2012.

Better Local Services For Driving Test Candidates In The Glasgow Area

Driving test candidates in the Glasgow area are set to benefit from a more convenient service as the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) extends a trial exploring a new approach to test delivery.

As well as using conventional driving test centres, the DSA has been looking at whether practical driving tests can be delivered from other venues such as local authority buildings, hotels or leisure centres.

This new approach is currently being trialled at eight locations, and following positive feedback from candidates and instructors, the DSA now plans to extend the scheme to five more areas across the country, including Glasgow.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: "We have to be more flexible and innovative in delivering driving tests to make sure that we are offering people the best service possible wherever they live and I am delighted that these first trials have proved successful. We are now extending the trial so that more candidates will be able to benefit from a service that is convenient as well as being cost effective."

Snow Warning For Scotland

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert snow warning warning for Scotland.

Monday morning rain is expected to turn to snow throughout the day and into the night.

Accumulations of 5-10cm may form on the hills and 2-5cm at lower levels.

(GK)