On August 2021, A 55-year-old operator working a night shift with a manufacturing company called Alpha Solway Limited lost parts of his two fingers when his hand got caught in a facemask-producing machine.
What leads to the loss of fingers?
The Operator spotted a problem with the HX machine for facemask production. He attempted to solve the problem when the machine is running. And this led to his hand being caught by the HX machine ripping his little finger and ring finger. The Operator was hospitalised for three days.
The health and Safety Executive report
HSE found that the company failed to put suitable guarding in place for the machine. They also failed to prepare a risk assessment for the activity. The company did not conduct training on the safe use of the machine. The company also failed to monitor and supervise the machine’s operation.
Fines for the loss of fingers incidence
At Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 7 March 2023, Alpha Solway Limited, of Hangcliff Lane, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £66,000 and ordered to pay £5,440.70 in costs.
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