Health and Safety Failings – Window manufacturing firm fined after worker seriously injured

Window manufacturing firm fined after worker seriously injured

Key Facts:

•  A window manufacturing firm were fined after an employee was seriously injured.
• A lack of adequate training resulted in the misuse of work equipment.
• The firm was fined £10,000 plus costs of £2,940.

The Case:

An HSE investigation was launched after an employee was seriously injured whilst working for a window manufacturing firm.

The incident, which took place in March 2013, saw a worker cut off four fingers and most of his right hand whilst using a chop saw without adequate training. The employee was attempting to cut down thermal plastic inserts for use in window frames, but due to a lack of training, he was using the saw incorrectly. He was positioning his hand too close to the blade whilst wearing gloves and arm protectors.

The case was heard Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court in April 2015, where the window manufacturing firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The firm was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2940.

What the law states:

Regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states:

It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.

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