An electrical contracting firm has been prosecuted after a worker sustained serious injuries to his wrist while using a chop saw.

AllRound Electrical Services Limited, of High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, was fined £4,000 with over £1,060 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 11 (3) of the Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations 1998.

Nottingham Magistrates’ Court how the employee sustained serious lacerations to his hand after it made contact with the moving blade of a mitre saw due to its faulty guard. The guard failed to return to position and cover the blade when the saw was in the upright position, meaning that when the worker reached across it he severely cut his wrist.

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An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that a lack of suitable maintenance meant the guard did not operate as intended and did not come down to cover the dangerous blade and protect the user.

HSE inspector Philip Gratton said: "This case highlights the importance of regular proactive maintenance of work equipment, including mitre saws, to ensure equipment does not deteriorate to the extent that it puts people at risk.

"In this case AllRound Electrical Services Ltd failed to effectively maintain equipment which resulted in life-changing injuries to its employee."

(LM)