13.01.2015
Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Mathew Bell said everyday tasks such as tying shoelaces, carrying items and opening doors are much more challenging since the incident in June 2012.
He was working at Worktop Fabrications in Bilborough, feeding wooden worktops through a circular saw which had been adapted to leave the blade unguarded.
Mr Bell's hand became caught in the machine, badly injuring his little and ring fingers, which later had to be amputated. His injuries left him in hospital for three days and off work for seven months.
"If the company hadn't modified the machine the way it did, then it would never have happened," he told the newspaper.
"It's ridiculous that health and safety just went out the window."
Worktop Fabrications has now been ordered to pay a £20,000 fine and £4,754 in legal costs.
Man Lost Two Fingers In Industrial Accident
A warehouse worker in a Nottingham factory has spoken of the life-changing injuries he suffered in an industrial accident which cost him two of the fingers on his left hand.Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Mathew Bell said everyday tasks such as tying shoelaces, carrying items and opening doors are much more challenging since the incident in June 2012.
He was working at Worktop Fabrications in Bilborough, feeding wooden worktops through a circular saw which had been adapted to leave the blade unguarded.
Mr Bell's hand became caught in the machine, badly injuring his little and ring fingers, which later had to be amputated. His injuries left him in hospital for three days and off work for seven months.
"If the company hadn't modified the machine the way it did, then it would never have happened," he told the newspaper.
"It's ridiculous that health and safety just went out the window."
Worktop Fabrications has now been ordered to pay a £20,000 fine and £4,754 in legal costs.
Our serious injury solicitors could help you claim compensation if you have suffered an injury at work that resulted in the amputation of a limb. See our Amputation Claims page or Workplace Accident Claims page for more information.
Expert Opinion
Companies that fail to comply with the latest guidance from the Health and Safety Executive are putting the safety of workers at risk and I hope prosecutions like this will act a reminder to all employers of the need to take their responsibility for safety seriously. <br/> <br/>“In this shocking incident, a man suffered life-changing injuries in an accident at work that could have easily been avoided. It is crucial companies take every step to protect workers, which means providing adequate training, ensuring all safety measures are in place and carrying out all appropriate risk assessments. <br/> <br/>“In our work we all too often see incidents such as this and it is vital companies take steps to reduce the number of accidents in the workplace by following health and safety guidance at all times.” Stephen Nye - Partner
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