A tragic machine guarding failure at Stanley Wire Limited resulted in the death of employee David Lockwood. The incident highlights how inadequate safeguarding of moving parts can have fatal consequences, and why a robust machine guarding failure risk assessment is essential. Sheffield Magistrates’ Court fined the company £140,000 on 22 January 2026 after it was found guilty of breaching health and safety legislation.
The incident occurred at the company’s Penistone site in South Yorkshire when Mr Lockwood became entangled in an unguarded wire drawing and recoiling machine – known as a ‘Gravity Block’. The machine’s moving parts were exposed, allowing the worker to be caught and suffer fatal injuries. HSE investigations revealed that no effective guarding, interlocks or pressure mats were installed, and workers had not been given formal training on safe operation.
HSE Inspector Charlotte Bligh said: “Following the incident, eight Prohibition Notices were served on the company. The remedial action taken demonstrated that appropriate measures, such as effective guarding, were readily available and could have been put in place had the risks associated with the activity been properly considered.
“Companies are reminded that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required health and safety standards.”
Machine guarding failure — Key Findings
- Worker entangled in unguarded wire drawing machine (Gravity Block)
- Lack of effective safeguarding for moving parts
- £140,000 fine plus £6,652 costs
- Sheffield Magistrates’ Court – 22 January 2026
- Breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and PUWER regulations
- Prosecution led by HSE enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds and paralegal officer Benjamin Stobbart
Why This Matters to Employers
Employers have a legal duty under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure that plant and equipment are safe, which includes providing effective guarding for moving parts. Failure can lead to prosecutions, heavy fines, and loss of life.
The financial impact extends beyond fines – reputational damage, increased insurance premiums, and potential civil claims can cripple a business.
How to Protect Your Business
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify hazardous machinery and implement appropriate safeguards.
- Develop clear policy templates that mandate regular equipment inspections, guarding checks, and staff training.
- Create detailed method statements for maintenance and operation of high‑risk machinery, ensuring interlocks and protective devices are in place.
- Implement a robust training programme for all operatives working with or near moving plant.
- Schedule periodic audits to verify that guarding remains effective and compliant with PUWER.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes adequate machine guarding?
Effective guarding must prevent contact with moving parts, using fixed barriers, interlocked guards, or pressure‑sensitive mats. The guard should be sturdy, regularly inspected and maintained.
How often should risk assessments for machinery be reviewed?
Assessments should be reviewed whenever there is a change to the equipment, work process, or after any near‑miss incident involving that machinery.
What are the penalties for breaching PUWER?
Penalties can include unlimited fines, prosecution costs, and in severe cases, imprisonment of responsible individuals. Courts also consider victim surcharges and remedial orders.
Source: Company fined after operative receives fatal head injury at work