%201.svg)
%201.svg)
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.
Last updated
September 2, 2022
Opus Safety
Health & safety insights
Guidance, updates and practical advice for your sector.
What is Health and Safety Legislation? A Guide for UK SMEs
Understand UK health and safety legislation, including HSWA, risk assessments, RIDDOR and key regulations to keep your business compliant.
Recent HSE Prosecutions
Discover real UK workplace safety prosecutions – including fines for machinery incidents, falls from height, and COSHH failings – and what your business can learn from them.
Health and safety training: When to refresh staff skills and knowledge
Find out when to refresh your team's health and safety training, from onboarding to recertification and role changes.
Consultant Q&A: Sector safety challenges and solutions for 2026
Our consultants share clients' top sector safety concerns, plus practical tips to maintain strong standards in a challenging business environment.
Your latest Opus Compliance Cloud upgrades
We’re constantly evolving Opus Compliance Cloud, our work-saving H&S software. See what’s new across the system – and what the changes mean for you.
Workplace violence and abuse: How to protect your employees
Violence and abuse against retail staff is increasing. Take vital steps to safeguard and empower your team.
Working with contractors: Selection, safeguarding, and management
Bringing on external expertise requires a different level of safety management. Maximise productivity while reducing contractor-related risks.
Working at height: Critical training points to protect your team
Working at height is the UK’s number one workplace killer. Get a checklist of key training areas to prevent falls and improve working practices.
Worker safety – help your team beat the chill through winter
Cold weather working can affect your employees’ health, safety and productivity. Our targeted tips ensure you’re providing all the right protection.
Wood dust safety in your workplace - expert tips to protect your team
Wood dust is generated by machines that eject fine particulate dust into the atmosphere. Learn how to protect your staff from long-term health risks.
Why businesses choose
Opus Safety
We've worked across UK industry for years. The numbers show what our clients achieve when compliance becomes a strength, not a burden.
%201.svg)
