A CONSTRUCTION and building firm based in Suffolk has been fined �10,000 after a worker’s finger and thumb were sawn off by a moulding machine.

David Head, 24, a bench joiner from Rubens Walk, Sudbury was shaping a piece of timber at the G J Bream & Son Ltd joinery workshop in Chevington, near Bury St Edmunds, when it caught in the cutter and dragged his left hand into the blades.

Bury St Edmunds Magistrates’ Court today heard the thumb and index finger on Mr Head’s left hand were amputated and the remaining fingers severely cut during the incident in June.

Reconstructive plastic surgeons at Addenbrooke’s Hospital were able to reattach the thumb and finger, but Mr Head will only be able to regain half their use.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the company was not using the correct work holders, known as ‘jigs’, to keep workers’ hands clear of the cutting machinery.

G J Bream & Son Ltd of 30 St Andrews Street South, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The company was fined �10,000 and ordered to pay �4026.55 in costs.