Manufacturer sentenced after sawmill worker lost leg

A large wood manufacturer has been fined £160,000 after a worker suffered life-changing injuries when clearing a jammed log from a machine. The company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The worker climbed onto a stationary conveyor bed and attempted to use a metal pole to dislodge a log that had gotten stuck. The conveyor began to move suddenly and dragged their legs across moving chains and trapping them against a stop plate, resulting in the need to amputate the worker’s right leg.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to adequately assess the risks involved with the use of the Quad Saw machine and to implement measure to prevent access to, and stop, the moving parts of the machine. It was also found that no safe systems of work or suitable or sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision was provided to enable safe operation of the machine.