Warwickshire company fined after worker loses fingers

Date:

21 March 2012

Release No:

WM603/12

A Warwickshire components manufacturer has been fined after a man's hand was badly crushed in a power press.

The 23-year-old agency worker, who does not want to be named, lost two fingers following the incident at Studley firm Ricor Ltd on 21 July 2011.

Leamington Spa Magistrates' Court heard how the man was removing a completed part from the production line when the machine's guards suddenly closed on his right hand, trapping him.

The moving guards activated the power press, which crushed his index and middle fingers so badly that doctors had to amputate them.

The court heard his life had changed significantly as a result of the incident. He is right-handed and is now unable to carry out everyday tasks. He also still feels pain in his fingers, especially in cold weather.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the guards, which should have stopped the machine from operating while the man's hands were in the danger zone, had not been maintained properly.

In addition, the company had not examined or tested the power press when it was installed on site 11 months before the incident.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Mark Austin said:

"A man has been left with permanent, life-changing injuries following this incident, which would never have happened if the guards on the power press had been maintained properly.

"The machine had been used for nearly a year without being properly tested and examined.

"It is unacceptable to see such failings, especially as Ricor Ltd operates dozens of power presses and should be fully aware of the legal standards required to protect its operators."

Ricor Ltd, of Birmingham Road, Studley, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 5(1) and 32(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £5,407 costs.

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce 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. www.hse.gov.uk
2. Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states: "Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair."
3. Regulation 32(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states: "Every employer shall ensure that a power press is not put into service for the first time after installation, or after assembly at a new site or in a new location unless-
   1. it has been thoroughly examined to ensure that it-
      1. has been installed correctly; and
      2. would be safe to operate; and
   2. any defect has been remedied."

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