A Stourbridge engineering firm has been fined £7,500 after an employee lost his thumb when it was crushed during a lifting operation.
Overview:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that Terence Grove, a 55-year-old mechanical engineer at M I Engineering Company Ltd, was using a rope sling attached to a crane to lift a half-ton angle plate when the sling snapped.
The incident occurred on 30th June 2010, at the company’s factory in Bromley Street, Lye.
The HSE investigation found Mr Grove had been using the sling for several years without it being thoroughly examined and with no indication of its safe working load. The company had also not undertaken any risk assessments for work at the factory.
The thumb on his right hand was crushed by the falling steel plate and had to be amputated.
Mr Grove now has difficulty carrying out everyday activities such as holding a pen, cutlery and tools and getting dressed. He has returned to work but has to do everything left-handed or ask colleagues for help. He requires a further operation later this year to remove a number of pins from his hand.
Outcome:
The HSE prosecuted M I Engineering. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £7,500 and ordered to pay £3,321 costs.
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Source: Health & Safety Executive
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