A building and maintenance company has been fined after an employee was injured while operating a ripsaw
In June 2017, the worker was cutting timber in the joinery workshop of building and maintenance company, Connors Building and Restoration Limited. As he fed a length of hardwood through the blade, an offcut was ejected backwards striking the employee and impaling itself in his upper leg and groin.
Although the ripsaw had a crown guard and riving knife, no work piece support was being used.
An investigation by the Health and Safety executive (HSE) found that no risk assessment for the ripsaw had been carried out by Connors Building and Restoration. This led to a failure to reduce the risk of kick back of timber.
The building and maintenance company failed to provide adequate training and supervision in use of the ripsaw equipment including workpiece supports.
Connors Building and Restoration Limited was found guilty of breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £68,192.15.
HSE inspector Catherine Lyon, said: “This injury could have been easily prevented by identifying and implementing safe working practices when using this machine and in ensuring employees were provided with appropriate information, instruction and training to ensure these methods were followed.”
