Machine Operator Wins Damages for Thumb Injury
A machine operator whose right thumb was badly injured at work has won £11,000 in damages.
Gerald O’Reilly, 58, was working on a seaming machine – used in the manufacture of cans – when the accident happened. Mr O’Reilly reached down to free a jammed can which was damaged and therefore very sharp. The machine cut through his glove and into his right thumb, severing the digital nerve. He now suffers frequent pain in his thumb, as well as pins and needles and numbness. He has also been left with reduced grip strength.
Mr O'Reilly's employers had failed to supply him with the correct industrial strength gloves which would have protected his thumb from injury.
Every employer must by law provide employees with suitable personal protective equipment to guard against exposure to health and safety hazards while they are at work. Employers should carry out risk assessments to identify any reasonable risks faced by employees. It is also important that they make regular inspections of protective clothing and equipment to check for defects. In this case, Mr O'Reilly's injury could have been avoided had his employers provided the right equipment for the job.
Gerald O’Reilly, 58, was working on a seaming machine – used in the manufacture of cans – when the accident happened. Mr O’Reilly reached down to free a jammed can which was damaged and therefore very sharp. The machine cut through his glove and into his right thumb, severing the digital nerve. He now suffers frequent pain in his thumb, as well as pins and needles and numbness. He has also been left with reduced grip strength.
Mr O'Reilly's employers had failed to supply him with the correct industrial strength gloves which would have protected his thumb from injury.
Every employer must by law provide employees with suitable personal protective equipment to guard against exposure to health and safety hazards while they are at work. Employers should carry out risk assessments to identify any reasonable risks faced by employees. It is also important that they make regular inspections of protective clothing and equipment to check for defects. In this case, Mr O'Reilly's injury could have been avoided had his employers provided the right equipment for the job.
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