Two companies have been fined after an employee had a thumb, index finger and most of his middle finger severed in machinery. Fibres became attached to the teeth of the rollers of the machine the man was using and as he reached in to remove them, his right hand became trapped in the running nip between the two rotating rollers.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that there were no measures taken by KSR (UK) Ltd to guard the machine. Also Non-Flam (Sawdust) Co Ltd did not make a risk assessment to identify hazards its employee may be exposed to.
Non-Flam (Sawdust) Co Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £8,000 costs.
KSR (UK) Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £8,000 costs.