Does your workforce use abrasive wheels?

Do you need to make sure you & they are fully trained and aware of the law?

A horrific workplace injury which resulted in the death of an employee has been highlighted by the HSE as, once again, it emphasises Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to employers.

The worker was using a hand-held grinding machine with no guard when an abrasive disc exploded. He was killed when a shard from the disc hit him in the mouth. A HSE investigation found the abrasive disc was nine inches in diameter although the grinder had a maximum permissible tool diameter of only two inches unless guarded. It was also attached to the grinder using a non-proprietary tool. In addition the disc was rated for 6650 rpm but the grinder was running at 12,000 rpm.

As a result, the company involved was fined £150,000 and ordered to pay £24,000 in costs after admitting breaching the act which states: ‘It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.’

Call Matt St John on 01525 851752 who will be able to offer advice and training options for your workforce to prevent such accidents. Sister-company C&C Training offer a half-day course in Abrasive Wheels or can design a bespoke option for your workforce.