Aerospace firm fined after work suffers severe injury
An aerospace firm has been fined after a worker suffered severe and permanent hand and wrist injuries.
The 53-year-old worker from who has asked not to be named, had to have three fingers and his thumb amputated after his left hand was crushed in a cooling press at the site.
He was hospitalised for several weeks and has not been able to return to work.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which investigated the incident said the worker had been making aircraft components and was in the process of removing a round mould without handles from the press.
As he did so, the bottom part of the hydraulic press (known as a platen) moved up, trapping his hand.
After today's hearing, HSE inspector said:
"The incident was completely preventable. Reaching into the danger zone between powered platens is inherently unsafe and there is foreseeable risk of crush injuries to the hand or arm.”
The company pleaded guilty and was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £6,758.
Updated on 9/20/2011