Case Highlights Devastating Consequences Of Safety Failings

A leading play equipment manufacturer has been fined £4,700 and ordered to pay costs following a work accident in which a worker severed four fingers.

Allan Davis suffered the serious injury to his right hand while working for the Playpower UK Ltd subsidiary Record RSS at its Shipyard Industrial Estate premises in Selby last year.

The worker was using a circular saw to cut discs when one of the items and his hand were pulled across the rear of the blade.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that Playpower UK Ltd failed to provide a safe system of work and the lack of procedures meant dangerous practices had emerged due to a lack of assessment and supervision.

David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, said it was vital that lessons are learnt from this case.

He said: “As this awful accident at work highlights, the health and safety of workers is an issue which firms cannot underestimate the importance of.

“We deal with a number of cases in which employees have suffered serious and life-changing injuries, including those where people have been forced to leave jobs they love because of the negligence of their employers.

“Companies need to keep on top of working practices and provide relevant, clear advice that will go some way to protecting their staff from harm.

“It is vital that lessons are learnt from cases like that of Allan Davis if mistakes are going to be prevented in the future.”