Fine after worker loses part of finger in machine
HSEA metal polishing company has been fined more than £30,000 after an employee lost part of a finger when his hand got caught in an unguarded piece of machinery.
Nathan Watkins was working for FMP West Midlands Limited in Oldbury, and was loading a tube polishing machine at the time of the incident on 8 July 2024.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) the machine had faulty rollers, meaning Mr Watkins had to lean over and straighten the metal tubes.
As he did so, his left hand became entangled in the machine's unguarded cogs and chains, resulting in one finger requiring amputation, and severe crush injuries to two others.
His left ring finger was severed to the first knuckle, his middle finger was crushed and needed a metal rod inserted, and his index finger has undergone multiple surgeries.
The 35-year-old has had surgery eight times since the incident, but still required further operations, a statement from HSE said, adding he had been unable to return to work.
"I have gained some strength back in my hand, but it is very tender and painful," he said.
'Too many workers' being injured
An investigation by HSE found that FMP West Midlands Limited failed to prevent access to dangerous parts of the machinery – for instance with physical enclosures, that were securely attached and not easily removed.
The company, of Rood End Road, pleaded guilty to breaching equipment safety regulations.
It was fined £24,000 and ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge as well as more than £4,000 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Friday.
"The failure to maintain proper guarding standards is not acceptable and too many workers are still being injured by machinery due to employers not taking the necessary steps to protect their employees," said HSE inspector, Taila Phelan.
"The tube-polishing machine was not up to safety standards. Had FMP West Midlands Limited installed suitable guarding, this life-changing injury would not have occurred," she added.
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