An engineering firm in Manchester, Proline Engineering Limited has been fined PS500,000 after an accident at work where a 18-year old apprentice lost two fingers when operating a horizontal saw.
The incident took place on 7 November 2022, at Worsley’s company site. At the time, the apprentice had just completed a month of his work placement.
In order to practice welding, the now 20-year-old man was required to cut steel sections. A Health and Safety Executive investigation found that the company had failed to provide adequate training, follow safety procedures and supervise the apprentice.
Safety Failures
HSE’s investigation revealed that the apprentice was only given a short period of verbal instruction before being allowed to operate the horizontal sawsaw on his own. The equipment was located in a container far from the main workshop and required that metal debris be removed.
Unsupervised, on the day of the accident, the apprentice discovered that debris was blocking the saw’s ability to complete a full cut. In an attempt to remove the obstruction, the apprentice’s fingers were in contact with the sawblade. One finger was immediately lost and the other suffered severe injuries.
Proline Engineering was found to have multiple safety failings, including an inadequate bandsaw guard, a lack proper risk assessment and insufficient safety protocol. The HSE determined that the company did not have a safe system of operation for the bandsaw and that it had provided inconsistent and inadequate information, instructions, training and supervision.
HSE inspector Tracy Fox stated, “This incident could have been prevented if even the most basic safety measures had been implemented.” Operating machines like bandsaws carries certain risks. HSE provides clear guidelines on how to use and provide work equipment. This can prevent incidents such as this.
We would like to highlight the fact that employers must ensure they assess their workplaces for these risks, and take effective measures to reduce the risk associated with operating machines. As part of the assessment, employers must consider and manage any risks associated with employees who are inexperienced.
Accidents that can alter your life
Proline Engineering Limited admitted to violating Section 2(1) Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The 1974 Act requires employers to provide for the health, safety and welfare of employees. The company was fined PS500,000 at a Manchester Magistrates’ Court hearing on 6 November 2024 and ordered to pay PS5,317 as costs.
Tracy Fox said, “This young person was just starting his career. He sustained irreversible and serious injuries as a result. These injuries have affected many aspects of his personal life, and he has had to undergo numerous procedures and operations.
“Once an avid mountain biker, and a member of his local gymnasium, his grip is so bad that he cannot take part in the activities he loved.”
