Welder severs finger on unguarded drill - finger required amputating!

1. SAFETY ALERT
Alert Number 059 Date 15.07.13
Actual Severity
External Event – Amputation
Potential severity
Fatality
Likelihood of re occurrence
Possible
Incident Details
Below is an extract form a Health and Safety publication in relation to a serious incident which could
easily be replicated in our business.
Lessons learnt and preventative measures.
Key Findings:
Lack of guarding on the drill, incorrect gloves being worn, suspected lack of competence of the operator
Corrective actions taken, Preventive Actions to be Taken:
■ Ensure all pedestal drills have guards and emergency brakes fitted.
■ Ensure if gloves have to be worn they are the very tightly fitting style.
■ Only trained, competent and authorised individuals to be allowed to operate pedestal drills.
■ Details of this incident to be communicated to all relevant employees.