Two Companies Fined after Worker Loses Fingers & Thumb

Two firms have been fined after a farm manager lost all four fingers and the thumb on his left hand when it became trapped in a machine.

Incident

Norwich Magistrate’s Court heard how on 13th February 2014, the farm manager was operating a machine that processes firewood. The machine consisted of a conveyor, a circular saw and a log splitter. Whilst splitting a log, the worker’s left hand became trapped between the splitting wedge and the log itself, and his fingers and thumb were severed.

HSE Investigation

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident, it was found that the recently supplied machinery did not meet British standards and so was not safe to use.

As a result, both the supplier and the manufacturer of the machine were prosecuted.

Fines

The supplier, Rytec Industrial Equipment Limited, of Town Green Lane, Settrington, Malton, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 6(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined a total of £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,441.

Whist the machine’s manufacturer, Metal Agricola S.R.L, of Via Michelini, Levaldigi, Italy, also pleaded guilty to breaching section 6(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was also fined a total of £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,099.

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

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Source: Health & Safety Executive