An air conditioning manufacturer has been fined after a man's fingertip was cut off by a circular saw at the company's factory in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Eaton Williams Group Ltd - which trades under the name of Colman Moducel - following the incident at its premises at Oldfields Business Park, Birrell Street, Fenton.
Fenton Magistrates' Court heard how the 41-year-old employee was using the saw to trim metal parts for a louvred screen when he touched the blade, which cut off the tip of his right middle finger, on 16 February 2011. Although doctors managed to repair his finger and he has returned to work, he has been scarred.
HSE's investigation into the incident found that the system of work used to operate the saw was unsafe, the top guard was incorrectly positioned and basic protection devices such as jigs and push sticks were not being used.
Workers also had not received proper information, instructions, training or supervision in operating the saw, the court heard.
Eaton Williams Group Ltd, which has its registered office in Fircroft Way, Edenbridge, Kent, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £4,105 costs.