Worker loses part of finger as gloved hand was caught in unguarded drill

Oldham sheet metal working company Derek Anthony Ltd  was fined £24,000 (inc.costs) after an employee's gloved hand was caught on rotating drill bit.
The circumstances were:

• The accident occurred on a twin pillared drill
• This had been operated for some time with a guard around the chuck
• The control measures in the company's risk assessment were not implemented.
• Training, supervision and instruction were inadequate
• On16 October 2017an experienced fabricator was wearing loose rigger gloves whilst deburring holes using this drill. 
• In the process of this operation, his gloved hand came into contact with a still rotating drill bit. 
• The tip snagged his right hand glove drawing it in and wrapping his hand around the drill bit, severing the finger below the first knuckle.

The HSE inspector said,
“The custom and practice of the company was to rely on experience rather than on the need for guarding with the addition of supervision and further instruction and training as necessary.  Companies should ensure they adequately guard dangerous parts of machinery and provide suitable training and supervision”.