HSE warns employers to maintain machinery after grinding disc shatters and injures worker

An engineering services firm has been fined more than £10,000 after a worker was blinded in one eye when a grinding disc shattered and hit him.

The incident happened in August 2007 when the worker was carrying out grinding work. The grinding disc penetrated the visor he was wearing as it shattered, leaving him blind in his left eye.

Weldex UK Ltd, which manufactures metal component and is based in Gateshead, pleaded guilty to three breaches of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The incident happened at its premises in Kingsway South, Team Valley.

Gateshead Magistrates Court fined Weldex £3,500 on each charge and also ordered the firm to pay £2,832 in costs.

The HSE has issued a warning to employers about the need to properly maintain machinery and provide adequate training.

HSE Inspector Martin Baillie said: "Employers must prevent or control risks to people's health from equipment they use at work.

"All work equipment must be suitable for use, regularly maintained and inspected and only used by people who have received adequate training."


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