CNC Speedwell Limited fined £140,909 after employee was caught in a machine whilst wearing gloves.

CNC Speedwell Limited, a supplier of machined components was fined £140,909 (inc.costs) after an employee sustained a severed finger, lacerations and tendon damage whilst operating a stud assembly machine at a factory in Brownhills, West Midlands.

The circumstances were:

• The accident occurred on 28 February 2018 on a stud assembly machine.
• No risk assessment had been carried out.
• There were no guards or two-handed controls.
• There was no safe system of work 
• The operators had not received suitable training.
• The operator was wearing gloves close to a rotating machine.
• Her gloved hand became entangled in the exposed rotating parts the machine. 
• Her index finger and the tendon along her arm were severely damaged.

The HSE inspector  said:
“Horrific, life changing injuries sustained in entanglement incidents can be avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”