We discuss the importance of implementing a safe system of work after a timber company was fined following an employee suffering a severe injury while operating a panel saw.
The employee was working at a timber frame facility, where he performed a rip cut to reduce the thickness of a piece of timber. This process required multiple passes through the panel saw due to the timber’s size exceeding the cutting depth of the blade.
CCTV footage revealed that after the employee completed the initial cut and flipped the timber, they encountered difficulties during the second pass. While the employee was attempting to guide the timber through the saw, his right hand came into contact with the blade. This led to the immediate amputation of three of his fingers.
An HSE investigation found that the employee was assigned a task unsuitable for the equipment he was given to use by his employer. Furthermore, the employer failed to provide adequate training or instructions on the safe use of the panel saw, including information about its limitations. The company possessed suitable machinery for the task, however, the employee was unaware of this.
They were fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,034.
The company failed in its responsibility to provide the necessary information, instruction and training for its workers. If a suitable safe system of work had been in place, the employee wouldn’t have sustained their life-changing injuries.
This case shows the importance of providing workers with the correct information and implementing a safe system of work.
Many workplace accidents and incidents are down to:
It is not always possible to eliminate a health and safety risk entirely. However, one way to reduce the risk is to develop and follow safe systems of work.
Safe systems of work ensure that all essential steps for safe working are identified and put into practice. They help to reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents occurring by preventing scenarios where workers may be tempted to bypass procedures, rush tasks, or take unnecessary risks.
Implementing safe systems of work and training workers in this helps to prevent accidents from occurring. It also helps to defend prosecutions if an accident does occur. This is because, as an employer, you will be able to provide sufficient evidence that steps were taken to ensure safe work practices.
Employers are responsible for ensuring their workers are trained and competent to use specific work equipment safely.
Employers should review their safe systems of work at least annually. This is to check that the current safe systems of work:
At HPC, we help our clients ensure accidents like this do not happen. Our team of health and safety consultants have a wealth of experience and can provide advice and guidance on what systems should be in place. We can carry out audits, create safe systems of work, and deliver training.
To find out more information or to discuss the implementing safe systems of work, please get in contact with our team of experts.
T: 0330 107 1037
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