Council fined as school technician loses finger

A local authority is sentenced after a worker lost his finger while operating a machine.

A technician, loses his right index finger when sliced off by a circular bench saw on 13 June 2022.

Preparing for design and technology lesson

The 29-year-old, had been operating the saw to cut pieces of wood that were set to be used for a design and technology lesson.

Therefore, While pushing wood through the saw, Mr Soday, felt a pain in his finger and immediately turned off the machine.

As he then looked down, his finger was lying on the bench.

Investigation by Health and  Safety Executive (HSE)

As a result, upon investigation, the local authority failed to ensure training to use the bench circular saw. Mr Soday used the saw many times but had not been trained on using it safely.

The local authority was fined £16,000, ordered to pay £4,294.60 in costs and a victim surcharge of £190 at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 3 July 2024.

HSE inspector said: “Workers must be trained properly when using high risk woodworking such as bench circular saws. This incident could have been prevented had West Sussex County Council provided Mr Soday with proper training.”

TIP: Visit https://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/ripsaw.htm for HSE introduction to woodcutting machines, including information sheets on the Circular Bench Saw. 

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