West Midlands Police facing hefty fine after officer has top of finger sliced off

The force admitted at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday breaching workplace safety rules in failing to ensure staff welfare over the incident, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The incident involved an experienced counter-terrorism trained officer and took place at a force facility on July 16, 2014.

West Midlands Police said it had now introduced 'stringent measures' for weapons disposal to prevent any repeats.

In a statement, issued after proceedings, the HSE said the force - the largest outside of the Met - had pleaded guilty to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

A spokesman said: "Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states: 'It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees'.

Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale, of West Midlands Police, said: "Following the officer's injury in July 2014, the force put in place stringent measures to increase the safety of our staff when disposing of firearms.

"Providing a safe working environment and safe working practices is always a priority for West Midlands Police."

He added that the officer was still employed with the force.

Mr Beale went on: "Throughout the period, we have supported the officer and are delighted that he has recently been able to resume his specialist firearms responsibilities.

"At the earliest opportunity we have implemented necessary steps to prevent this type of incident from happening again."

Judge Richard Bond, who heard the proceedings, adjourned the case until January 26 for sentencing.

Afterwards, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said the case highlighted the importance of health and safety.

He added he had already asked 'probing questions' about the incident, and said it is 'unfortunate' the force - which has endured Government-imposed budget cuts - will now have to shell out taxpayers' money to pay any fine.

In his statement, Mr Jamieson said: "I am receiving a formal report on health and safety at my public board meeting in March and I have already asked probing questions of the force relating to this case to make sure that incidents like this are not repeated.

"The force accepted its guilt in the case and will make sure that it learns the lessons.

"It is unfortunate that public money will have to be spent on this instead of front line policing.

"The force has changed the way that it disposes of firearms and the officer has returned to full duty.

"Nevertheless this is a disappointing case that I want to make sure that all the lessons are learnt across the organisation."

It is understood the force has out-sourced the disposal of seized weaponry since the incident.