Builder fined for unsafe practice

A builder has been fined after a worker lost a finger whilst cutting timber.

Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard that on 7 August 2019, two men were cutting timber joists for the flat roof of a domestic extension. A builder was carrying out the cutting using a circular saw, whilst the worker was holding the timber. During cutting, the saw slipped, amputating the worker’s index finger, severely damaging his middle finger and slicing open his thumb along its length. It was not possible to re-attach the amputated finger and the middle finger still has no movement or feeling. It is not known what, if any, movement will return following further operations. As a result of the injuries, the worker has lost 70 per cent of the grip in that hand and is still suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Read more