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PHW · Manufacturing and engineering · 2025-11-20

Isoma Limited fined £16,000 after a young employee's arm was entangled in a manual lathe

Swadlincote, Derbyshire · Chesterfield Magistrates' Court

What happened

A young employee became entangled in a manual lathe while deburring components with emery cloth without a suitable safe system of work. His arm was caught in the rotating equipment.

Injuries: broken arm

The breach

HSWA 1974 s2(1)

The sentence

  • Fine: £16,000
  • Costs: £4,358
HSE inspector

“Every year there are accidents involving the use of emery cloths on metalworking lathes, resulting in serious injuries.”

What would have prevented it

Deburring on manual lathes needs a suitable risk assessment and a safe system of work, particularly where young workers are involved.

How PHW helps

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Sector

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Quiz

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Source: HSE press release, Manufacturer fined £16,000 after 18-year-old breaks arm in workplace accident