Man Loses Two Fingers in Workplace Accident

A Dundee worker lost two fingers when his hand was trapped in a veneer press in a workplace accident.

James Doig had the two middle fingers of his right hand amputated after they were injured during an incident at Lam-Art Ltd. The Sheriff Court heard that although Mr Doig had experience and training in regards to using the machine, he had not been taught how to turn the machine on safely resulting in a fine for his company, Lam-Art, of £5,000.

The employee had been working at the company for 20 years and was only in charge of using the machinery when the normal operators were not in work. Although he was trained, another untrained worker had switched the machine on incorrectly, when Mr Doig then went to check the machine, the other worker who was on shift with Mr Doig touched the control panel, trapping Mr Doig’s fingers between metal plates in the machine.

As a result of the accident, the worker sustained serious injury to four fingers with two having to be amputated. Lam-Art admitted one charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The firm admitted failing to ensure all people using the Orma veneer press had adequate health and safety guidance and written instructions for safe usage of the equipment, in particular, to correct procedures for starting and setting up the machine.

A representation of the firm said that that the accident that had occurred was a “most unfortunate breakdown of communication”.

Making a Personal Injury Claim: Accidents in the Workplace

Many people believe that if they are injured in the workplace, they are not able to make a personal injury claim, or run the risk of losing their job if they do so. This, however, is not the case. If you make a personal injury claim and are threatened or are dismissed, you would be able to take legal action citing unfair dismissal or workplace harassment.

At Lawford Claims, we believe it is your duty to hold those responsible for your injuries to account. If you are involved in an accident in the workplace that was a result of negligence or a failure in your employer's duty of care, our team of no win, no fee personal injury solicitors can help. To make a claim our team of solicitors will require as much evidence as possible to build the strongest possible legal case. We will need to know the basic details of your injury and your accident such as where, when and how it occurred. We may also require further evidence to support your claim such as a medical report, contact details of witnesses to the accident, a copy of the accident report and any further evidence to support your claim.

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If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault and require the advice of our team of personal injury lawyers, contact us today using our online contact form.