Glass company in court after employee loses finger
Posted: March 26, 2013
Posted in: Employer Negligence Finger Injuries Hand Injuries Workplace Injuries
A West Midlands glass processor has been prosecuted for safety breaches after an employee’s finger had to be amputated when it was crushed in machinery.
Asif Hussain was helping a colleague free a large piece of glass which had become stuck in a machine. Sandwell magistrates were told that Mr Hussain was able to enter the confines of the machine through a gap in the perimeter fencing. As he discussed how best to remove the glass with his colleague, his glove became entangled in the rotating drive shaft and his right hand was pulled in.
Mr Hussain’s ring finger was so badly crushed it had to be amputated in hospital. He has been unable to return to work and still suffers pain and swelling in his right hand.
He can no longer play the sports he used to such as badminton, snooker and cricket and also has problems carrying out basic everyday tasks and household chores.
A Health and Safety Executive investigation found the machine had not been properly guarded since the company had relocated to the site on 5th January 2012.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,928.
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