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Textile factory worker killed while cleaning machine
A TEXTILE worker was crushed to death by a huge baling machine after volunteering to clean it out.
Gary Lee suffered horrific injuries at the mill where he worked because the machine, used to compress wool, was not switched off and it activated with him inside it.
A jury returned a verdict of accidental death in the case of Mr Lee, of Holmfirth, in West Yorkshire, who had worked at Westwood Yarns in the town for more than 20 years.
His colleague Albert Senior, who showed him how to clean the machine, was questioned by police who considered charging him with manslaughter before releasing him.
The inquest in Bradford heard Mr Senior, a blender, showed Mr Lee, 40, how to clean the baler because he had never done it before, before leaving him to it on January 3 last year.
When he returned he saw his colleague's legs suspended off the ground. He had climbed inside using a ladder and it is believed he triggered a sensor which launched the machine into action.
In a statement, Mr Senior said: "I had shown Gary how to clean the chamber. At no point did I show Gary to go into the compression chamber or use ladders to get in.
"I didn't tell Gary to turn the machine off at the mains. I never turned it off myself because I didn't think there was a risk. I was extremely shocked and saddened by his death."
Anthony Hoyland, a mechanical engineer for the HSE at the time, told the jury a switch on the baler was broken. It would probably have automatically stopped the machine from operating if it had been working.
HSE inspector Kirsty Townend told the inquest following the incident she had told Westwood Yarns to improve training procedures and the firm had complied with all her recommendations
After the hearing, Westwood Yarns' managing director Trevor Chippendale paid tribute to Mr Lee.
"The company is saddened by the tragic accident. Gary was a loyal and dedicated employee who was much loved and respected in the company and our deepest sympathy goes out to his friends and relatives at this difficult time."
Michael Brook, Mr Lee's friend of 34 years, said: "Gary was a true friend who touched the hearts of all those who knew him and worked alongside him. The tragic circumstances surrounding his death were a result of his willingness to help others and learn new skills."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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