In September 2019, a P&D Engineering Limited employee suffered life changing injuries when her scalp and part of her ear were torn off after her ponytail became wrapped around a rotating drill. In the months following the incident she underwent surgery nine times involving skin grafts to re-construct her scalp. Her ear was also amputated.
An investigation by the HSE found that the rotating parts of the drill were not guarded in accordance with standard industry practice. The investigation also found that P&D Engineering Limited’s own risk assessment for using the drill had identified a guard should be fitted, but evidence obtained indicated the drill had been operated without one for a number of years.
P&D Engineering Limited of Coventry pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They were fined £62,334 and ordered to pay costs of £1,459.90.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Charlotte Cunniffe said, “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard”
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