Jeremy Adams was using a double pivoting head mitre saw to cut frames at the M&M Windows factory in the Black Country town of Brierley Hill in May last year when the unguarded blade came into contact with his left hand. Adam’s index finger was amputated but doctors saved his middle finger after extensive reconstructive surgery. The HSE found M&M had failed to fit a guard to the saw to prevent access to the blade. During the investigation, it also discovered the company believed it did not need insurance to cover workers’ injuries as most of them were employed through an agency. HSE inspector Jenny Skeldon said, “Not having insurance was a gross failure of duty to its employees. It is crucial that all companies look at the relationship they have with their workers, agency or not.” At Dudley Magistrates’ Court, M&M was fined £10,000 for not ensuring Adams’ safety, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and failing to take out liability insurance, under Section 1(1) of the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act.
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A window manufacturer that traded without
liability insurance has been fined £10,000 after an employee sliced
his hand on an unguarded saw.
