Woodwork Company Fined After Worker Loses Three Fingers

Severn Valley Woodworks has been fined £8,000 with over £1,100 in costs after a worker lost three fingers while using a table saw.

Egidijus Norkus, 44, was instructed to use the table saw by his supervisor to cut tongue and grove boards being used to make bird table bases on 22 September 2014.

Stroud Magistrates Court heard that Mr Norkus injured his left hand on the table saw, losing the top of his middle, ring and little fingers.


The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation and found that the Gloucestershire-based firm had not trained Mr Norkus in a safe system of work for making the products, failed to supervise the work and discovered that the table saw was not effectively set up.

Severn Valley Woodworks pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

HSE Inspector Paul Newton said: "This was an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided if the company had effectively supervised workers using dangerous machinery.

"The woodwork industry has a high accident rate, most of which are caused by contact with moving machinery. Employers need to ensure that machines are effectively guarded and workers are adequately trained and supervised."

(LM)