Proline Engineering Limited, a Manchester-based engineering firm, have been fined by HSE after an incident in which an apprentice lost two of their fingers
The apprentice has permanently lost one finger, and the other has been re-attached but remains with very little sensation or movement.
The incident took place in 2022, and the fine comes to the amount of £500,000.
The firm admitted fault for the incident
HSE investigated the incident, finding that the apprentice was a month into a placement with the firm to gain experience in fabrication and engineering.
As a part of the placement, he was being taught how to weld. As such, multiple sections of steel were needed to practice welding on. He was therefore briefly and verbally taught how to use a band saw, then allowed to use it.
On the day of the incident, the apprentice saw that the saw was not operating optimally due to a build up of debris under the blade. He tried to clear away the debris with his hand, and his fingers came into contact with the blade, where the apprentice lost fingers.
He was taken to hospital for six days.
“Irreversible injuries” for the apprentice that lost fingers
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, being fined £500,000 and ordered to pay £5,317 in costs at Manchester Magistrates Court.
HSE inspector Tracy Fox said: “This young man was at the very start of his career.
“As a result of this companies failures, he sustained serious and irreversible injuries that have been truly life changing. Those injuries have impacted on many aspects of his life and resulted in him having to undergo numerous operations and procedures.
“Once a keen mountain biker and member of his local gym, his hand grip is such that he can no longer take part in those activities that he used to love.”
“Had even the most basic safeguards been put in place this incident would have been avoided.
“The risks arising from operating machines such as bandsaws are well known. HSE has clear guidance on the provision and use of work equipment that can help in preventing incidents like this from happening.
“We would like highlight that all employers should make sure they properly assess their workplace for these risks and act to ensure that effective measures are in place to minimise the risks associated with operating machinery.
“It is crucial that as part of this assessment employers consider and manage any increased risks that may be associated with inexperienced employees.”
