Firm fined £12,000 over severed hand accident

Jamie Raynor’s left hand was amputated when the top pressing tool of a hydraulic press brake he was operating came down on his wrist. The 22-year-old, of Bradford, worked for RDB Fabrication and Engineering Ltd.

A Health and Safety Executive inquiry found that the press brake was fitted with an electronic motion guard to stop the machine moving if a part of a person entered the danger zone. But when Mr Raynor reached into the machine to reposition a part, it had failed to operate.

Halifax Magistrates Court heard this was the first time he had worked on the machine and had been given less than 10 minutes of instruction on its operation.

RDB Fabrication and Engineering Ltd admitted failing to ensure the machine was adequately guarded.

The company, which was based at Queens Road, Halifax, at the time of the incident but now operates from Mill Street, Wibsey, Bradford, was also ordered to pay £2,000 costs.