Truro Sawmills was fined £45,594 after employee severs finger on saw

Truro Sawmills was fined £45,594 (inc. costs) after a worker severed his finger when his hand came into contact with the moving parts of a machine.

The circumstances were:

• The accident occurred on a cross-cut saw. 
• The company failed to ensure that access to a cross-cut saw’s dangerous moving parts was prevented by the use of a guard, 
• They also failed to deliver adequate training to their employees.
• On 20 March 2018, an employee of Truro Sawmills was examining the moving parts at the rear of a saw to check why it had been cutting inaccurately. 
• The saw remained in operation while he did so, 
• His glove became caught in the moving parts causing him to sever his index finger on his left hand.

The HSE inspector said:
“This injury was easily preventable. Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery. Those in control have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers.”