COI/WM/252/09 25 June 2009

Companies warned to follow correct safety procedures when operating machinery and drills

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning employers and their staff to be mindful of following the correct safety procedures when operating machinery and drills, following the prosecution of a West Bromwich firm.

An employee at Aluminium Products Ltd lost part of his index finger during an incident on 15 October last year. The company was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £2,423 costs in the West Bromwich Magistrates' Court on 15 June, yet the incident could have been prevented by a £60 safety guard.

The company, which is based in Haines Street, West Bromwich, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The court heard how the employee was working with a pedestal drill, when his hand slipped from the block. His glove was caught in the rotating drill, amputating part of his index finger.

A risk assessment had identified drill guarding and the provision of jigs as necessary safety controls, but neither safety measure had been used.

Prosecuting, HSE inspector Lee Perry said:

"This worker has suffered a life-changing injury in an incident that was preventable. This was an unsafe system of working, and the speed and economy with which remedial measures were put in place after the accident – a telescopic guard was installed within a couple of days at a cost of just £60 – shows this accident could have been avoided.

"HSE publishes Approved Codes of Practice, guidance and information leaflets with practical advice on machinery guarding – so there is no excuse for duty holders who don’t control risks and protect their employees."

Notes to editors

1. Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc 1974 states: ‘It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.’

Press enquiries

Neil Whelan on 0121 352 5500

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HSE information and news releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk/

Issued on behalf of HSE by COI West Midlands