Farm worker's arm cut with chainsaw

Date:

5 July 2010

Release No:

HSE-E-17

A Suffolk farmer has been fined after one of his employees cut into his left arm with a chainsaw.

Lowestoft Magistrates' Court heard how Keith Dennis, then part time worker at Hill Farm, Leiston, was asked to cut back an overgrown hedge on 30 October 2009 despite being given no supervision and no protective clothing to do so.

Mr Dennis, 49, from Middleton, near Saxmundham, had used a chainsaw for many years but had had no formal training in how to safely handle the machinery. He nonetheless proceeded to complete his task, which took him two days.

The incident happened on the second day, when he was cutting an overhead branch. The branch fell, bringing the chainsaw down onto his left elbow, severing artery and tendon. As he was working alone, Mr Dennis had to make his way to a nearby road and stop a passing motorist for the emergency services to be called.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that, in addition to the lack of training, supervision and appropriate equipment, there had been no assessment on how to carry out the work safely.

Peter Haste, owner of Hill Farm, appeared at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court today. He admitted breaching Section 2(1) Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £1,600. He was also ordered to pay £1,400 in costs.

HSE Inspector Steve Hook said:

"Incidents like Mr Dennis's are entirely preventable. Chainsaws are a potentially dangerous piece of equipment, therefore reliance on experience alone is not enough.

"Employers must ensure that appropriate training, supervision and equipment are provided prior to any work involving chainsaws. An effective assessment of risks must also be carried out.

"Advice and guidance is available and easily accessible to help comply with the law and keep people safe. HSE will not hesitate to take action against employers failing to comply with the law."

Notes to editors

1. Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 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."
2. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement.
3. For information on working with Chainsaws, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/areyou/chainsaw-operator.htm

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