A police force has been fined £50,000 after a counter-terrorism officer lost the tip of his trigger finger while attempting to destroy a sub-machine gun.
The West Midlands Police officer, who was already on light duties after returning to work following an unrelated injury, was asked to help dispose of the weapon using a hydraulic shearing machine.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that two officers, both on light duties at the time, were cutting weapons for disposal in July 2014.
However, the sub-machine gun kicked up when the machine was activated, cutting off the tip of the trained firearms officer’s right index finger.
Inspectors told Birmingham Crown Court that the injuries could have been avoided by using different methods of destroying the guns instead of instructing officers to use machinery they were not trained to operate.
Alternatively, the force should have ensured the work was properly supervised and that the machine was used in accordance with the maker’s instructions.
Such systems have now been put in place.
The Office of Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, of Colmore Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, admitted offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The force was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £11,558 costs.
“This case should act as an important reminder that anyone using machinery, whether it is part of their core work or not, must ensure it is safe to use, properly guarded and that adequate information, instruction, training and supervision is given to any employee expected to use the machinery,” said HSE inspector Clive Neil.
“This requires the machinery to be risk assessed and the findings of the risk assessment incorporated into a safe system of work for using the machinery.
“On this occasion, West Midlands Police fell significantly short of what the law requires, with a police officer seriously injured as a result. Had the police complied with its legal duty, the officer would not have been injured.”
Have you been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault? Our specialist personal injury lawyers may be able to recover the compensation you deserve. Fill out our claim form to arrange an appointment with one of our experts.