An export services company has been fined after an employee suffered serious injuries when his finger came into contact with a saw blade.
A Magistrates Court heard how on 16 September 2019, the employee’s left index finger was partially severed when it came into contact with the unguarded part of the radial arm saw blade, he was using to cut wooden batons. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the employee had failed to maintain the adjustable front guard on their radial arm saw. The wing nuts were broken, rendering the guard inoperable.
The export company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £21,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,954.
Speaking after the hearing, an HSE Inspector said: “The incident could have been easily avoided had the company repaired the guard as soon as it became inoperable. Employers must ensure that machinery guarding is kept in good working order.”
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Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)