The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has called for effective safety systems to be put in place across the timber industry, following its prosecution of a Middlesex manufacturer.
Enfield-based Jennor Timber Co Ltd was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,921 after City of London Magistrates heard that machine operator Peter Brooks lost parts of two fingers while using a heavy-duty spindle moulder without end stops or a jig.
“It is essential that safe systems of work are adhered to and there should be management systems in place to monitor workers at all timber mills,” said HSE inspector Gavin Pugh.
“Machine jigs should have been used with limited cutter protection tooling, which should be in place to prevent very severe injuries if any part of the body touches the rotating blade.”
Jennor pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
