Butchers’ Employee Injured in Accident at Work

A butcher shop has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after an employee suffered injuries to one of his hands in an accident at work incident.

Incident

The worker in question was cutting beef bones with a bandsaw at the time of the incident. He slipped whilst working and suffered deep lacerations to his left hand.

Bristol Magistrates Court heard how the safety devices on the band saw were not in use at the time of the accident as the worker had not been sufficiently trained to use them.

HSE Investigation

An investigation into the incident found that the butchers had not provided the worker with adequate training. The investigation also found that the company had failed to properly asses the level of risk posed by the work. Finally, the investigation highlighted the fact that there was not an appropriate level of supervision in place at the time the work was carried out.

Fines & sentencing

The Butchers at Clifton Limited of Portwall Place, Portwall Lane, Bristol pleaded guilty breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company has been fined £18,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,343.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Tania Nickson said:

“The Company failed to appropriately train the staff member and failed to use the supplied safety features which would have prevented this incident from happening. The worker is fortunate not to have suffered more severe injuries.”

Accident at work – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents at Work’ page.

To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Health & Safety Executive