Window company fined £20K
Posted: July 6, 2015
Posted in: Finger Injuries Workplace Injuries
A window supply company has been fined more than £20,000 after an injured worker lost three fingers and a thumb while operating a power saw. It was heard in the Hammersmith Magistrates court last week (30 June) that the 22-year-old employee, who remains unnamed, had been cutting a piece of PVC when the accident happened. The worker disconnected the air supply to the saw, allowing him to move the saw head manually. However, when he pressed down on the saw head, the blade guard rose and trapped his fingers, pulling them into the rotating blades.
Almost eighteen months after the accident happened, he is still unable to move his remaining index finger and struggles to carry out day-to-day tasks. He has been unable to return to work, being a manual position, and stated in court that he fears for his future employment prospects.
Failed to ensure the safety of employees
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation following the accident, and reported that Maple Windows had failed to ensure the safety of its employees when using a powered saw. It was also reported that the company failed to ensure that workers were adequately supervised when using heavy machinery.
The company admitted to health and safety breaches and was fined £15,000. They were additionally ordered to pay the injured worker £5,000 in compensation.
HSE inspector Nick Wright said: “All firms must ensure workers understand the risks within their environment and the measures to control them. And equipment should only be used for tasks it is suitable for.”
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