Timber worker compensated for serious hand injuries
A timber worker was compensated by his company for suffering severe and permanent hand injury while he was at work.
The 20 year old production operative had part of his left thumb severed while cutting insulation foam at work. The timber worker was using a table mounted circular saw when his hand was caught in the blade.
It had become standard practice by workers to remove the guard as the height adjustment mechanism on the saw was broken. In addition, the table saw was not big enough to adequately support the foam being cut; therefore it was necessary for him to support the foam with his hands rather than using a push-stick.
The worker was off work for seven weeks after the incident. The company was fined as well as compensated the worker with £4,117 for completed costs incurred.
Updated on 9/6/2011