Black Country metal polishing company fined more than £24,000 after man's hand 'crushed' and finger 'severed' in machinery
A Black Country-based metal polishing company has been fined more than £24,000 after an employee's hand was crushed in a machine.
FMP West Midlands Limited, in Oldbury, West Midlands, has been fined more than £24k following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSE was investigating an incident where an employee's hand was crushed when it became 'entangled' in an unguarded polishing tube, resulting in the amputation of one finger and the severe crushing of two others.
Nathan Watkins was working for the company on July 8, 2024, when he was loading a tube polishing machine.
The machine was found to have faulty tubes, which required Mr Watkins to lean over and straighten the metal tubes.
As he did so, his left hand became entangled in the machine's unguarded cogs and chains.
Mr Watkins' left ring finger was severed to the first knuckle, his middle finger was crushed, requiring an operation to have a metal rod inserted, and his index finger was crushed, requiring multiple surgeries.
The 35-year-old has undergone eight surgeries and requires further operations.
He has also been unable to return to work following the incident.
Mr Watkins said: "I have gained some strength back in my hand, but it is very tender and painful."
The HSE investigation found that FMP West Midlands Limited had failed to prevent access to dangerous parts of the machinery, namely the rotating cogs and chains in the rollers.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 11 of the Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, and was fined £24,000, ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge, and £4,073.10 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Friday, December 5.
HSE inspector, Taila Phelan, said: "This incident was entirely preventable. There is clear and long-standing guidance on machinery guarding to prevent access to dangerous parts.
The failure to maintain proper guarding standards is not acceptable, and too many workers are still being injured by machinery due to employers not taking the necessary steps to protect their employees.
"The tube polishing machine was not up to safety standards. Had FMP West Midlands Limited installed suitable guarding, this life-changing injury would not have occurred.
"The fine imposed should send a clear message to industry that HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who fail to comply with health and safety regulations."
