Clearview North February 2014 - Issue 147 | Page 12

INDUSTRYNEWS PLASTICS FIRM IN COURT AFTER WORKER SEVERS FINGERS IN SAW A Birmingham plastics firm has been fined after an employee had four fingers severed in a circular saw. The employee was working at Kalsi Plastics (UK) Ltd on 10 August 2012 when the incident happened. He stopped the machine to clear a blockage and the saw blade automatically moved from its operating position to its maintenance position in the base of the machine. However, because of its position in the base of the machine the worker did not realise it was still rotating. As he attempted to clear the blockage, his left hand came into contact the blades, severing four fingers. He has been unable to return to work. Kalsi Plastics UK was prosecuted at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE found the motor had not been fitted with an injection brake so the saw continued to rotate for around five minutes after the stop button was pushed. Kalsi Plastics (UK) Ltd, of Tomey Road, Tyseley, was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £2,418 costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. HSE inspector, Pam Folsom, said: “A number of employees knew that the blade continued to rotate after the power was cut but neither Kalsi Plastics UK management nor its health and safety consultant were aware of the issue. Employees were not represented in safety meetings so that known issues could be highlighted and control measures implemented. This incident shows the importance of staff having a voice in management meetings.” 12 FEB 2014 Good Neighbours Sealco, one of the largest independent hardware distributors in the UK has started working with a local back to work programme to assemble Pyramid Window Trickle Vents, the smallest 5,000 EA vent on the market. Sealco previously used a similar charity in Nottinghamshire to manufacture the vents until earlier this year the organisation was closed. Sealco was forced to look for alternative support to assemble Pyramid Vents to ensure continuity of supply of this best-selling vent for customers. The local back to work programme supports individuals in mental health to find full-time work and is located just next door to Sealco’s premises in Falkirk. Sealco has installed state-of-the-art machinery to enable the programme’s team to cut the Pyramid Vents to size, crimp the mesh and create the fixing packs. The slim, aluminium Pyramid ventilator can be surface mounted on PVCu, timber and aluminium windows and is compatible with slot heights from 13 to 16 mm. The vent is easy to open and control and incorporates a stainless steel fly mesh. The upward air deflection also reduces the risk of draughts. Upgrading cylinder offer Repair and maintenance hardware supplier, UPVC Maintenance Supplies has chosen to upgrade its current cylinder offer and introduced the new ‘Break Secure XP’ replacement cylinder from Mul-T-Lock to its growing product portfolio. Leeds based, UPVC Maintenance Supplies offer a comprehensive range of repair and maintenance hardware components throughout the UK and has introduced the ‘Break Secure XP’ replacement cylinder after recognising it as being the first cylinder to achieve the new BSi Kitemark TS007 3* accreditation, without the need for a high security handle. David Earnshaw, UPVC Maintenance Supplies managing director commented, “We have distributed Mul-T-Lock cylinders for several years now; previously supplying the ‘Garrison’ and ‘Magnum’ cylinders as part of our cylinder range, so our customers are familiar and appreciate the quality the Mul-TLock brand offers.” “Naturally, when Mul-T-Lock introduced the new ‘Break Secure XP’ replacement cylinder we wanted to ensure our customers were able to take advantage of this high-security product and although the upgrade means we no longer stock the Garrison and Magnum cylinders, we feel confident our customer will appreciate the kudos and the benefits that come from using the new cylinders.” David concluded. To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com