Drill broke worker's arm
05/03/2010
The HSE reports that a £40,000 fine with £7,401 costs has been levied against Cardiff-based ground-engineering specialists Romtech Ltd this week. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
In February 2009, an agency worker at its premises at
Watling Street Business Park was using a radial arm drill when his gloved hand
became entangled in the rotating drill bit, drawing his arm into the drill,
inflicting serious injuries including fractures, according to
safetynews.co.uk.. He had to be cut free by the emergency services.
The HSE has commented that "it is not acceptable that this type of
incident is still happening. Companies must invest sufficient time and effort
in risk assessment to ensure their radial arm drills have suitable guards or
trip devices in position. They must also ensure that staff are aware of the
risks and that supervisors and managers monitor working procedures."