Metal supplier fined after employee suffers multiple fractures

A metal supplier has been fined after an employee suffered multiple fractures to the hand and wrist when he was polishing a metal bar with a manual metalworking lathe.

Birmingham Crown Court heard that, on 27 January 2019, an employee working for Timet UK Limited at Holdford Road, Witton, was using a manual metalworking lathe to polish a metal bar when the emery cloth, which he applied by hand, snagged causing his right hand to be pulled underneath the rotating bar. This resulted in a fracture to his right wrist and two fractures to his right hand

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Timet UK Limited failed to implement a system of work which is safe for the use of manual metal working lathes to refurbish, polish and deburr parts. Timet UK Limited also failed to ensure that employees received adequate training in the use of the lathe, as well as adequate supervision.

Timet UK Limited of Witton, Birmingham pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and were fined £375,000 and ordered to pay costs of £16,622.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspection Karen Sweeney said: “This highlights how employers should ensure they have a safe system of work in place for the operation of all machinery and ensure that adequate information, instruction and training is provided to all who use it.”

Source HSE Website 22/02/2021