AN accident in which a woman trapped her hand in a pizza dough roller has prompted an inspection of all premises across Chorley that use such machines.

The woman was feeding pizza dough into the machine when she became trapped and had to be freed by the fire and rescue service, suffering a fractured finger and requiring stitches.

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This accident in South Ribble, which revealed the machine’s rollers were unguarded, resulted in an inspection of all premises in the neighbouring borough which use such machines to ensure they have guards on.

Of the 37 Chorley food premises inspected, 23 were found to be operating pizza dough rollers. Of these, 17 machines were unguarded.

This resulted in 10 prohibition notices being served which meant the machines could not be used. Six were resolved within 24 hours and one machine was removed from use.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, who oversees health and safety services for Chorley Council, said: “The accident was in another authority but when it was brought to our attention that it was common practice for the guards to be removed from the rollers, we immediately sent out letters to all food premises warning them not to use the machines if there were no guards on. We followed this up by inspecting the premises.”

One business which took action immediately it received the initial letter from the council was Papa Luigi’s Italian Restaurant.

Manager Robert Duckworth said: “As soon as I got the letter I checked our machine and found it had no guards on the rollers and so was not up to standard. We immediately bought a new one because the safety of our employees is paramount.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work with the council on a number of issues, and have received help and advice and I’m delighted to say that it has resulted in us achieving a five star rating which we’re very proud of.”

Councillor Walmsley added: “The quick action taken by Papa Luigi’s sets an example. We pride ourselves on working with businesses to provide advice and support, but we also want to reassure employees that we would take enforcement action against employers if they put their health and safety at risk.”