Printing firm in court over fatal employee accident
The owners of a printing firm based in the Fengate area of Cambridgeshire in Peterborough has appeared in court over health and safety breaches which may have led to the death of an employee.
The case centres on worker Ian Ebbs, who lost his life back in October 2008 when a printing press he was attempting to repair crushed him. During the night shift, a paddle wheel from the machine swung down and fell on Mr Ebbs, who was 43 at the time.
Wyndeham Peterborough, which owns the St Ives Web printing firm, is now accused of failing to ensure the health and safety of Ian Ebb and all other employees at the Fengate facility. It is alleged that the company breached its duty to its employees by failing to carry out a proper risk assessment on maintenance operations such as the work Ian Ebb was undertaking.
It was agreed that the case is too serious to be heard at Peterborough Magistrates Court, so a Crown Court date will now be set. If it is found that Wyndeham Peterborough neglected any essential part of health and safety training for its employees or risk assessors, the company could face substantial fines.