The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers about the need to properly maintain machinery and provide adequate training after a company was fined a total of £13,332 following an incident that left a worker blind in one eye.
Weldex UK Ltd pleaded guilty to three breaches of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations SI 1998/2306 following an accident on 1 August 2007 at its premises at Kingsway South, Team Valley, Gateshead.
HSE Inspector Martin Baillie, who investigated the incident said, "A worker was carrying out some grinding work when the grinding disc shattered and penetrated the visor he was wearing and hit him in the eye. As a result he has lost the sight in his left eye. Employers must prevent or control risks to peoples' health from equipment they use at work. All work equipment must be suitable for use, regularly maintained and inspected and only used by people who have received adequate training."
Gateshead Magistrates fined Weldex UK Ltd £3,500, plus costs for each charge.
