Timber firm worker loses thumbRSS Feed
A worker at a timber firm lost part of his left thumb while using a circular saw in an accident at work.
The 20-year-old was working at Kestrel Timber Frame Ltd using a table mounted circular saw to cut insulation foam when he caught his hand in the blade.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive discovered that employees had routinely removed the guard as the height adjustment mechanism on the saw was broken.
Moreover, the table was not an adequate size to support the foam being cut, meaning the worker had to hold it in his hand rather than using a push stick.
The company was fined £6,700 and ordered to pay costs of £4,117.
HSE inspector Emma Madeley commented: "The injured man's employers failed to provide equipment which would allow the job to be done safely and, as a result, a young employee suffered serious injury in a completely preventable incident."
In other news, a leading pork producer has been fined after a worker severed the index and middle finger on his right hand in an unguarded mixing machine.
Serious Law, accident claim solicitors
Posted by M E Dixon
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