Woodwork company - Severn Valley Woodworks Limited - have been fined £8,000 after failing to effectively supervise their workers using dangerous equipment.
It was heard in Stroud Magistrates Court that on the 22 September 2014, Agency Worker Egidijus Norkus was instructed by his supervisor to cut tongue and grove boards using a table saw which lead to Mr Norkus losing the top of his middle, ring, and little fingers.
However, after an investigation was carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was found that the Woodwork company had not trained Mr Norkus in a safe system of work; failed to provide him with effective supervision; and had not set up the equipment properly.
The Court have ordered that the Woodwork company are to pay £8,000 after they pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 as well as £1,142 in costs.
After the hearing, the HSE Inspector Paul Newton commented:
“This was an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided if the company had effectively supervised workers using dangerous machinery... the woodwork industry has a high accident rate, most of which are caused by contact with moving machinery. Employers need to ensure that machines are effectively guarded and workers are adequately trained and supervised.”
