Repeated incidents of workers’ injury can often occur when a company neglects to improve their safety measure, even after one accident has already taken place. Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) press release about a joinery exposes a company that did not take the safety of its employees seriously enough.
Flory Works Limited had two separate incidents where their employees were injured whilst working with cutting tools. In August 2017, a worker suffered an amputation to the index and middle finger when cutting timber with a blade of an unstable sliding table saw. The year after, in September 2018, a worker was feeding timber through a Planer Thicknesser. The planer had an inadequate guard which cased the blade to amputate the worker’s finger all the way down to the first knuckle.
The joinery company was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and found that the company did not effectively prevent access to dangerous machinery parts. The HSE issued them with a Prohibition Notice and three Improvement Notices. Afterwards, the sliding table saw was made stable by the Flory Works Ltd, complying with the Prohibition Notice. However, they did not follow through with the Improvement Notices within the given deadline. Despite being granted an extension, the company still failed to implement the improvements.
Flory Works Limited have pleaded guilty in the Reading Magistrates’ Court to three breaches of Section 33(1)G, and one breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They also admitted to breaching Section 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. They were fined £10,600 along with having to pay costs of £2024.60.
In these incidents, we can see just how low the standards for company’s health and safety management can be. The injuries were easily preventable if the machinery was maintained properly. It also reflects badly on the company how they failed to comply with the Improvement Notices they were given.
Safety of the employees should be a priority of any company. In this case, we can see that was not an important aspect for Flory Works Limited. We agree with the HSE that the company was fully at fault for the injuries of its workers and were correct in enforcing fines. The company was given plenty of time to improve their safety measures, which they failed to do.
As an employee, you have the right to work in an environment that is managed safely and up to satisfactory standards. If you experienced an accident at work, you have the right to make a claim. We know it can be a stressful and traumatic time in your life, leading to financial and health worries. We are here to make sure that you receive a compensation that will take the weight off your shoulders.
Making a claim is easy. Just call us now on 0151 306 3694 or Fill out a claim form here. We offer a free consultation, at a time that is convenient to you. Our firm operates on ‘no win, no fee’ bases, with no financial risk to you. You will receive 100% of your compensation.
You can also access more information by visiting our Accidents at Work page here.