Manufacturer fined after worker loses fingers
Metal manufacturer Multi-Stroke has been fined £40,000 after a worker lost two fingers and a thumb in an accident while using heavy machinery.
The Tipton company pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Health and Safety Executive inspector Jonathan Jones said: “The company failed to implement a safe system of work which ultimately led to this serious incident occurring.
“Duty holders have the responsibility to effectively plan this work and manage the risks associated with working with this type of heavy machinery.”
The unnamed worker was setting up hot forging machinery in order to use for the next job, when his feet slipped and his left hand was crushed between the dies.
He lost his thumb, index and middle fingers in the incident, which happened in May 2015.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company failed to implement a safe system of work for this workplace activity. The company also failed to adequately manage the risks associated with using this machinery.
