Daniel Burns was attempting to clear product from a system at Dugdale Nutrition when the machine restarted
Daniel Burns lost two fingers following an incident at Dugdale Nutrition(Image: Family handout)
A “kind and funny” dad was “profoundly affected” after he lost two fingers in a horror industrial workplace incident. Daniel Burns was attempting to clear product from within a cyclone vacuum system at Dugdale Nutrition in Speke on August 26, 2024 when it became blocked.
Production supervisor Daniel and a colleague used various tools to try and remove the blockage before they used their hands. But while doing so the machine restarted and the fingers on Daniel’s left hand became caught in the machinery.
The partially severed ring finger fell into the animal feed and he also suffered a second injury to his left finger.
Irwin Mitchell, the law firm that represented Daniel’s family in court, said the machinery had no safety guard or warning signs and staff had not been trained on how to clear blockages.
Daniel attended Aintree Hospital with a towel wrapped around his hand to see if his finger could be reattached, but because of the animal feed contamination it was not possible.
He was later transferred to Whiston Hospital where he underwent further surgery for his amputation injuries.
Dugdale Nutrition recently pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act in relation to the lack of guarding. Appearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, it was fined £60,000.
Daniel Burns lost two fingers following an incident at Dugdale Nutrition(Image: Family handout)
Sadly Daniel died unexpectedly aged 43 and did not see his employer admit its failings in court. However, his wife, Vikki Burns, later instructed Irwin Mitchell to help get her and her family answers.
Vikki, who was married to Daniel for eight years, said: “Daniel went through so much after the incident which had a profound effect on him. However, he showed great stoicism in adapting to the challenges he faced.
“Daniel had four daughters and was a kind and funny man who always put others first. He loved the children and enjoyed spending time with his family, and there isn’t a day that goes by where we don’t miss him.
“Employers must put the safety of their workers first at all times, and we hope this case serves as a wake-up call so other workers don’t have to go through what Daniel did.”
Matthew Garson, a specialist workplace accident lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who represented Daniel’s family, said: “The incident in which Daniel lost his finger was not only avoidable but is a stark reminder of the consequences employees can be left to face because of safety breaches by employers.
“Workplace machinery can pose significant risks if not properly maintained or if adequate safety measures are not put in place. Employers have a responsibility to ensure their workers are protected at all times.
“I hope others take note of the Health and Safety Executive prosecution to improve safety in future. Sadly, Daniel’s story highlights how serious incidents involving industrial machinery can be.”