A ROCHDALE firm was last week fined hundreds of thousands of pounds after a worker lost two fingers to a bandsaw.

Hanson Springs Ltd, of Gorrells Way, was hit with the fine at Manchester Magistrates' Court after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Around two and a half years ago, a worker at the firm used a bandsaw to cut sections of steel spring, and replaced an old blade when it started to appear worn.

He attempted to lubricate the new blade by pressing a cardboard tube of wax against it whilst it ran, but it was drawn into the machine as well as his right hand, severing the two middle fingers. 

The HSE's investigation found although the worker was trained, the training was not up to standard and there was no assessment of his ability to use the machine unsupervised. 

He had been shown how to lubricate a new blade using a cardboard tube of wax to save time, even though the bandsaw had its own, inbuilt lubrication system.

After admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act, Hanson Springs Ltd was last week fined £200,000 and also ordered to cover costs of £5,394.

Peter Lennon, an inspector for the HSE, said: "This incident could so easily have been avoided.

"Employers should ensure they carry out an assessment of the risks and put in safe system of works for the operation of all machinery.

"Employers should also ensure that adequate supervision, instruction and training is provided to workers."