Accident At Work

The HSE has urged companies to make sure employees are properly trained after a company was fined for an incident that saw a worker lose three fingers.

Tetrosyl Ltd was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,141 after pleading guilty to two health and safety offences at Manchester Crown Court.
 
The car care manufacturing company was charged for not maintaining a safe site and failing to provide sufficient training under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Robert Karpowicz, 21, was using a powder-mixing machine when he reached into an unguarded hatch to get a sample and his right hand was badly injured by the internal blades, the court heard.

HSE Inspector Chris Smith said: "This incident has had a devastating effect on Mr Karpowicz, who has not worked since. He was a keen sportsman but is now unable to use his right hand, and is having to adapt to living with the effects of the injury.

"The incident would have been totally avoidable if the company had followed the correct procedures. The danger of unguarded machinery cannot be highlighted too much."

Copyright © Press Association 2009

David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “I welcome the fine imposed following this terrible work accident.  In this day and age, it is inconceivable that any employer could think that unguarded machinery is acceptable.

“Sadly, I have helped numerous people pursue claims for compensation for injuries sustained in an accident at work involving defective equipment.

“Such actions cause terrible pain and suffering for those injured and effect their families.  I would urge employers to ensure that they provide workers with a safe place in a safe system of work.”