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PHW · Manufacturing · 2025-11-20

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

Swadlincote, Derbyshire · Chesterfield Magistrates' Court

What happened

An 18-year-old 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. This incident could have been avoided if Isoma Limited had put in place a suitable safe system of work.”

What would have prevented it

Deburring on manual lathes needs a documented safe system of work, particularly where young or inexperienced workers are involved.

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