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34 Spring 2022 HEALTH & SAFETY An export services company has been fined after an employee suffered serious injuries when his finger came into contact with a saw blade. Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard how the employee’s left index finger was partially severed when it came into contact with the unguarded part of the radial arm saw blade, he was using to cut wooden batons. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Neil Smith (Export Services) Limited had failed to maintain the adjustable front guard on their radial arm saw. The wing nuts were broken, rendering the guard inoperable. Neil Smith (Export Services) Limited, with head offices based at Hurricane Way, Norwich pleaded guilty to breaching Section 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £21,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,954. EMPLOYEE INJURES FINGER IN SAW INCIDENT A Bradford-based construction company has been fined after an employee was injured at work leading to significant sight loss in his right eye. Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how Pearl Services UK Ltd had been contracted to carry out refurbishment of a retail store in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. On the day of the accident employees were erecting PVC hoarding within the store to separate the refurbishment work area frommembers of the public. An apprentice decorator who was helping joiners set up the hoarding, struck one of the PVC panels using a mallet causing it to splinter. A fragment penetrated their right eye, causing serious injury and loss of sight. The incident has resulted in a life-changing injury to the person who will not regain full sight in his right eye, despite a number of post-accident operations An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Pearl Services UK Ltd had failed to suitably plan, manage and monitor the project. Risk assessments and method statements had not fully identified the need to wear safety eyewear during the erection of the hoarding. In addition to this, the supervisor had failed to ensure that the documentation available on-site was communicated to the operatives before commencing work. Although safety eyewear was available on site, the wearing of it had not been made mandatory, neither were checks carried out to ensure it was worn. Pearl Services UK Limited of Pearl House Commondale Way, Euroway Trading Estate, Bradford pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £16,500 and ordered to pay costs of £5,778.40. INJUREDWORKER LOSES SIGHT