The injured party (IP) was using a 5” grinder to remove the galvanised finish of a bracket in the temporary fabrication shop. Upon finishing the task the grinder was placed on the workbench, with the disc facing up over towards the ceiling. The IP reached across the workbench to grab a spanner and his left hand came into contact with the disc that was still rotating from the operation of the grinder.

1. Safety Bulletin;
Cut to Finger – FPRM Business Unit (UK)
Bulletin No
Date
Severity
Potential
Likelihood of reoccurrence
FOGAP UK 061
05/11/2013
MEDICAL TREATMENT
LOST TIME / AMPUTATION
POSSIBLE
Description:
The injured party (IP) was using a 5” grinder to
remove the galvanised finish of a bracket in the
temporary fabrication shop.
Upon finishing the task being undertaken the
grinder was placed on the workbench, with the
disc facing up over towards the ceiling. The IP
reached across the workbench to grab a
spanner, in carrying out this movement the
outside of the index finger of the IP’s left hand
came into contact with the disc that was still
rotating from the operation of the grinder.
Picture(s) / Sketch
Reconstruction of position of grinder at time of incident
Reason / Immediate Cause:
The IP had not stopped and thought about the
hazards and dangers involved to fully
appreciate the consequences of placing the
grinder with the disc facing in an upward
position.
Glove being worn at time showing location of injury
Core reason / root cause:
Actions:
the IP was taken to the local accident and
emergency department to have the extent of
the injury assessed by a registered medial
practitioner. During this visit the IP was given
two pain killers, the hand was visually
examined, cleaned and stitched (with a total of
four stitches.) It was also confirmed that there
was no apparent ligament damage to the finger
as the
IP had full movement and flexibility. The IP
returned to work at approximately 03.30am
and finished the remainder of the shift.
The ‘moving parts of machinery’ section within
the risk assessment will be revised to
incorporate the time delay on the equipment
to ensure the grinder has stopped rotating
before placing it down on a workbench etc. as
well of the good practice of placing the grinder
face down after use.
Refresher abrasive wheel training to be
provided to remainder of work party.
Complacency on behalf of the IP due to the
continued use of the work equipment that has
the potential to cause a very severe injury.
IP injured finger after treatment – Index finger left hand