Machine manufacturer fined after employee’s finger amputated

A machine manufacturing company has been fined £10,000 after an employee’s finger required amputation. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The employee was using emery cloth to polish metal work when his glove was pulled into the metal-working lathe that he was operating. The employee was unable to return to his profession as a turner as a result of the amputation and was made redundant.

The HSE investigation found that no adequate risk assessments were in place for the use of the lathe, and that the company failed to ensure a safe system of work.