Manufacturer fined after amputation on site

A MANUFACTURER has been fined after one of its workers had to have their finger amputated.

The Netherton-based firm, AirDesign, which manufactures heat recovery units, was fined for safety failings after an incident in March this year.

A 36 year-old employee was operating an unguarded notching machine when his finger became trapped. The injuries he suffered required amputation of the finger on his left hand from the second joint.

AirDesign of Netherton was fined a total of £2,000, and ordered to pay £632.68 in costs with a victim surcharge of £120 after pleading guilty to an offence under Regulation 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

HSE inspector Karl Raw, said: “The need to guard dangerous machinery is well known with established industry guidance available in relation to standards and methods.”