Window firm fined after worker’s severe hand injury

Window firm fined after worker’s severe hand injury

A window manufacturing firm was fined £10,000 after a worker was seriously injured while using a chop saw without adequate training.

The employee cut off all four fingers and most of his right hand when the incident occurred in March 2013 at Griffin Windows, Treorchy, Mid Glamorgan.

He was cutting down thermal plastic inserts for window frames on a chop saw, but the court heard due to the lack of training provided he was operating the saw incorrectly- in that he was placing his hand close to the blade whilst wearing gloves and arm protectors.

Masco (UK) Window Group Limited, of which Griffin Windows are part of, pleaded guilty at Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Magistrates awarded a fine of £10,000, and full costs of £2940.00.