Lack of supervision resulted in terrible work experience injury
Lack of supervision resulted in terrible ‘work experience’ injury
Metalfab Engineering of Rochester, Kent was recently fined £3000 and ordered to pay costs of over £4000 at Chatham Magistrates Court. The prosecution followed an investigation by the HSE into an incident that occurred in March 2005. A young person on work experience was using a broaching drill to put holes in a steel plate when his glove or sleeve was pulled into the machine. He suffered five breaks to the left arm and fingers. The company was fined for breaching s. 2(1) of the HSW Act.
Caroline Penwill, HM Inspector of Health and Safety, said: "This prosecution highlights the need for employers to ensure the risks to young people at work are properly assessed and controlled. Young people such as work experience students are likely to be inexperienced in the work environment and unaware of many health and safety risks. Employers must provide adequate instruction and training, and check that it has been understood. Young people are likely to need more supervision than adults, and the employer must ensure that this is provided."
Copyright Schofield Publishing 2005-2008. www.healthandsafetymonitor.com
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