Coldmac fined £6,000 after worker loses fingers
Paving firm fined for breaching Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
SPECIALIST paving contractors Coldmac Ltd have been fined £6,000 after one of their workers suffered life-changing injuries to his hand which required surgical intervention.
Nuneaton Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 8 April 2015, the worker was using a screwdriver to scrape asphalt residue off the mixer he had been using when the screwdriver slipped causing his hand to catch on the lip of the mixer and resulting in the loss of his middle and index fingers.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the guarding on the mixing machine was below the safety standard required in order for people to safely operate the machinery.
Coldmac Ltd, who pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, were fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1995.92.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Luke Messenger said: ‘This case highlights the importance of safety-checking equipment and machinery, and ensuring that the appropriate guarding is in place to avoid serious injuries like this.’
