A shipping services and cargo handling company has received a fine of more than £16,000 after a member of staff lost part of a finger in an accident on shift.
At the time of the accident on the 13th of July 2021, Dundee Sheriff Court heard that Gordon McMillan was working on the dockside performing stevedore duties, which involves loading and unloading ships and goods vehicles, when he was injured by a table saw.
The company had taken up a lease on a building at South Quay, Montrose, in early July 2021 for the purposes of storing grain. Mr. McMillan’s job was to cut up small pieces of wood known as ‘packers’, which needed replacing on the site.
Mr. McMillan was using a wooden tool called a ‘push-stick’ at the time of the accident, when his gloved left hand made contact with a rotating blade.
After managing to remove his hand from the glove, it was apparent that the top of his left index finger had been almost completely severed. The damage was such that it was later necessary for him to have part of the finger amputated.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that the table saw was not equipped with a blade guard or a guiding fence, and that no push-stick had been provided. The HSE thus issued a Notification of Contravention to the firm, which detailed the breaches in regulations uncovered during the investigation.
Rix Shipping (Scotland) Limited of Meridian Street, Montrose pleaded guilty to the contravention of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulations 11(1) and 11(2) and subsequently received a fine of £16,000, with a Victim Surcharge of £1200.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Michelle Gillies said:
“This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Further reading
For some further information about accidents at work, check out this page.
How do I get in touch?
Contact our team today on 0113 306 9039, and we will advise you on whether or not your case is likely to succeed.
