A teenage apprentice suffered serious injuries including a partially severed finger when his hand was pulled into a metalwork lathe he was operating.
Seventeen-year-old James Powell was making a tool box trolley at Pirelli Tyres’ Burton site when the accident happened in August 2014.
The mechanical maintenance apprentice had undergone three operations and had metal pins fitted. It is feared he may yet lose a finger.
Stafford Magistrates’ Court was told he was wearing gloves as he worked on a spindle for the trolley wheels. However, the emery cloth he was using snagged, dragging his hand into the lathe.
As well as broken fingers and a broken wrist, one of Mr Powell’s fingers was partially severed.
Health and Safety Executive inspectors investigated and reported that the procedures to avoid such an accident taking place were inadequate and there had been no risk assessment for these specific circumstances.
Pirelli Tyres Limited, of Derby Road, Burton on Trent, admitted offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The firm was ordered to pay £28,000 in fines, £1,418.60 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge.
“It is entirely foreseeable that if emery cloth is used on a lathe incorrectly then serious injury could occur,” said HSE Inspector Wayne Owen.
“HSE has a specific information sheet on this practice and had this been followed by the company and a suitable risk assessment carried out, this incident could have been prevented.
“Every year there are serious accidents involving the use of emery cloth on metalworking lathes.
“Pirelli Tyres Limited has since taken action to deal with the deficiencies we identified during this investigation.”
A spokesman for the firm said it “deeply regretted” the incident and was committed to ensuring high levels of health and safety for all its workers.
Macks Solicitors in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Darlington are the accident injury specialists. Fill out our claim form to arrange an appointment with one of our team of experts.
