Timber frame company fined after man loses thumb

A timber frame firm has been fined £6,700 after a man lost his thumb while operating a circular saw.

The 20-year old production worker at Kestrel Timber Frame was cutting insulation foam on a table mounted circular saw when he caught his hand in the saw.

The HSE told the court employees had removed the saw guard as the height adjustment mechanism was broken.

After today’s hearing, HSE inspector Emma Madeley said: “The injured man’s employers failed to provide equipment which would allow the job to be done safely and, as a result, a young employee suffered serious injury in a completely preventable incident.”

The employee returned to his job after seven weeks off work

The Lincolnshire company was ordered to pay costs of £4,117.