WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT
Pemberton Timber Frame Ltd from Kent has been fined and ordered to pay costs following an avoidable injury to one of its workers.
The company manufactures timber frame structures for the construction industry. One of its workers was operating a panel saw and was asked to perform a rip cut on a length of timber, i.e. cut down its thickness. This meant he tried to pass the timber through the panel saw multiple times because the timber was thicker than the blade could cut in one pass.
He successfully managed the first cut, but on the second attempt his right hand made contact with the blade and unfortunately had three fingers instantly amputated.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the employee had been asked to complete a task that wasn’t suitable for the machine he was using and that he had not received sufficient training or instruction on how to use the panel saw safely.
Even worse, the HSE discovered that the company did have appropriate machines that would have allowed the task to be carried out safely, but the employee didn’t know this because of his lack of training.
HSE provides clear guidance on the safe use of panel saws to carry out rip cuts. A panel saw with a circular blade must not be used unless the saw blade, at all times, projects through the upper surface of the material being cut.
Ross Carter, the principal inspector for HSE, said: “Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers.”
The case serves as a reminder of the need to make sure safe systems of work are in place for all work tasks.
