HSE warns of dangers posed by drills

Categories: Engineering Health and Safety |


HSE warns of dangers posed by drills The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned of the dangers posed by working with drilling machines following the recent prosecution of an engineering firm.

The Burton-on-Trent-based company was fined after an employee suffered a broken finger and cuts to his arm when the left sleeve of his overalls became entangled around a rotating drill.

A subsequent investigation by the HSE revealed that there was no guard or emergency stop on the machine.

Burton-on-Trent Magistrates' Court yesterday (March 29th) heard the local firm plead guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

As a result, the company was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,922.

In response, HSE inspector Gail Pannell said that the injury victim was lucky that the drill was not operating at a higher speed "or his injuries could have been much worse".

"But they could have been prevented altogether had the company complied with its legal obligation by having the necessary equipment installed," she said.

In order to reduce the risk of serious injury, the HSE encourages engineers to use the correct workwear when they are operating heavy machinery.ADNFCR-1200-ID-19696184-ADNFCR

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