£13k fine for firm over new employee’s hand injury

A SOUTHPORT firm has been fined £13,000 after a new employee suffered serious injuries when his hand was dragged into a machine during a ‘trial period’.

Martland Rollers Limited, based on Botanic Road, has pleaded guilty to breaching healthy and safety regulations after an employee’s glove got caught in a metalworking lathe, resulting in serious injuries to his hand and arm.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how on 24 January 2019, an employee of Martland Rollers Limited, had been using emery cloth by hand to smooth down a part which was turning in a lathe at the company’s site in Cricket Street, Wigan.

A glove he was wearing became drawn into the moving parts and his arm followed, causing breaks, lacerations and nerve damage.

An investigation by the Health and Safety executive (HSE) found that the employee had been undertaking a trial period at the company with a view to permanent employment.

Martland Rollers Limited failed to carry out a suitable risk assessment and did not provide adequate training or supervision to prevent the new employee engaging in such a dangerous work activity.

The firm pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £13,300 and ordered to pay costs of £3,284.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector

Roger Clarke said: “This injury was entirely preventable if the risk had been identified and suitable control measures put in place.

“Adequate training and supervision should also have been in place to ensure the machine was being used safely by newer operatives.”