A company that specialises in the design and manufacture of aluminium access systems for the aviation industry has been fined after an employee suffered serious injuries when using a chop saw.
Telford Magistrates’ Court heard how on 21 October 2016, at Aviramp Limited, Telford an employee was injured using a chop saw. The rotating blade of the chop saw came into contact with the employee’s hand and it was severed.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had failed to suitably and sufficiently assess the risks from working on the chop saw, provide a safe system of work, adequately maintain and guard the saw, provide suitable information, instruction and training and provide adequate supervision and monitoring.
Aviramp Limited of Telford, Shropshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The Company was fined and £50,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £5339.24.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Wayne Owen said:
“This injury was easily prevented, and the risk of injury should have been identified.
“Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.”
