Eye on the industry - company fined after unguarded machinery accident

A saw mill company has been fined £18,000 after a worker suffered serious injuries when his hand became trapped in an unguarded piece of machinery. The company was also ordered to pay a further £4,000 in costs.

The incident occurred after a worker was filling the machine that strips the bark from tree trunks when his hand became entangled in the exposed chain drive mechanism at the top of the de-barker machine.

As a result of the incident, the worker sustained crush injuries to his hand and fingers and lost a part of his index finger.

Commenting on the case, the HSE inspector said: "This incident could have been prevented if the company had maintained the machinery guarding. The duty to guard machinery is well known and this company failed to comply with that duty."

Machinery guarding controls

Unguarded machinery is a leading cause of workplace accidents. To reduce the risk of machinery-related injuries, employers should ensure:

• All dangerous parts of machinery are guarded. Where a fixed guard cannot be fitted, an interlock guard should be considered, which automatically stops the machinery if the guard is removed.
• Guards should be fit for purpose, of good construction and in good repair. This means that guards should be inspected regularly and any defects repaired.
• Operators of machinery have completed adequate training, including on safe operating procedures and the risks posed by the specific machine.
• Thorough examinations are regularly carried out on machinery to ensure it remains in good working order.