Engineering company fined after worker crushed

Birmingham Magistrates’ Court heard that on 21 March 2016 the worker was operating a foot pedal saw when he came into contact with the rotating blade.

The 35 year old severed his hand and wrist, which required surgical intervention to reattach.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found PESL failed to install the machine correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, meaning that it could be operated from a position that took the operator very close to the saw’s moving blade.

Pipework Engineering Services Limited pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 17 (2) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment 1998, has been fined £24,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2087.16.

Speaking after the hearing HSE Principal Inspector Geoffrey Brown said: “The company failed to ensure the machinery was set up in a safe manner and as a result the worker suffered life changing injuries.

“To prevent future, similar accidents it is essential that duty holders install and set up machines correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”