Work Accident Stoke – Fingertips Cut Off By Circular Saw

An air conditioning company has been fined after a worker had his fingertips cut off when using a circular saw at a factory in Stoke-on-Trent.

Fenton Magistrates Court was told how the 41-year-old man, who did not want to be named, cut off the end of his right middle finger when he was using a saw to trim metal parts for his employer at their factory in Oldfields Business Park, Birrell Street, Fenton. Although surgeons were able to repair the finger, he has now been left with scarring.

Following the incident the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Eaton Williams Group Ltd, trading under the name of Colman Moducel.

Work Accident Stoke – Systems Of Work Found To Be Unsafe

An investigation by the HSE found that the system in place to operate the saw was found to be unsafe. A guard that prevented injury was incorrectly positioned and other protection devices were not being used. The court was also told that employers had not received the correct training, supervision, or instructions when operating the saw.

The HSE investigation also revealed that there were problems with the actual machine itself. The emergency stop button was not working, and the braking was ineffective which meant that the blades on the machine would continue to spin even after they should have stopped.

Eaton Williams Group Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations relating to the use of work equipment. The company received a fine of £10,000 and was ordered to pay court costs totalling £4,105.

After the hearing David Kilvin, an inspector with the HSE commented:

“The incident would never have happened if Eaton Williams Group Ltd had taken the time to look at the risks involved in operating the circular saw. Although the company had completed a risk assessment, it did not cover all the operations being carried out by its employees.

“A simple assessment of these additional tasks would have identified the need to provide protection devices in addition to the top guard.”

Work Accident Stoke – Speak to A Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor

If you have been involved in a work accident in Stoke, or any part of the country, our specialist team of personal injury solicitors are available to discuss your potential claim for compensation.

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