Recent prosecutions – employee seriously injured by unguarded machinery

An export services company was fined £21,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,954 after an employee suffered serious injuries while cutting wooden batons. The employee's left index finger was partially severed when it came into contact with an unguarded part of a radial arm saw blade.

The HSE investigation found that "the adjustable front guard of the saw blade had not been properly maintained, resulting in broken wing nuts that rendered the guard inoperable."

Reducing machinery risks in your builders merchant

Ensure that your machinery is suitably maintained and kept in good working order at all times.

• Regular maintenance, coupled with an appropriate pre-use check, will ensure the machinery is fit for purpose.
• Include machinery and guards in your risk assessment process.
• Implement a routine maintenance schedule and highlight performance issues with on-the-spot checks before use.
• Thoroughly train staff on machinery use, providing refresher sessions as needed.
• Take a zero-tolerance stance on removing or overriding guards.
• Display signage to warn operatives of machinery hazards.
• Educate staff about emergency stop controls.