Risk news

Health and safety failings have resulted in a Suffolk solenoid manufacturer being fined £8,000.

H.E. & B.S. Benson Ltd of Newmarket pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following an incident in November 2008 which led to an employee having a finger amputated.

Press operator Peter McCormick had his right index finger crushed between the two halves of a 40-tonne power press.

The injury occurred when he leaned across the press - something he would not have been able to do if the machine had been fitted with the correct safety guards.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Glyn Davis said the case illustrated just how important it is for manufacturing companies to ensure they carry out thorough risk assessments.

He added: "They should then develop and implement safe systems of work, providing training and supervision for workers."

Earlier this month Thor Hammer Company Ltd of Solihull was fined £2,500 after an employee injured his hand while using a pedestal drilling machine which was not equipped with the correct safety guards.

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