Worker injured in unguarded machine
Posted: February 12, 2013
Posted in: Faulty Work Equipment Finger Injuries Workplace Injuries 
A Kilmarnock firm that makes engine parts has been fined after a worker was injured when his hand got trapped in unguarded machinery.
Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard that the agency worker was a trainee operator working on the rolling mills when the incident happened.
He was attempting to free a strip of metal from the rolling mill when his gloved right hand became caught on an in-running nip and was trapped between two powered rollers. His hand was released when a colleague dismantled the top of the unit.
The injured worker said he was aware of the risks of in-running nip points on rollers but had felt he would be safe as he had turned off the rolling mill. He was unaware, and had never been told, that the tension rollers were powered separately and therefore kept running when the rolling mill was switched off.
The worker fractured two fingers on his right hand and required surgery on three fingers to repair tissue damage. He was able to return to after two months.
After sentencing, HSE Inspector Russell Berry, said:
“This incident could easily have been avoided had the company taken the necessary precautions. The risks from in-running nip points on rollers are well known in the industry.”
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