A LEWISHAM meat supplier has been fined for safety failings after an employee sliced his arm while deboning a lamb shoulder.

The injured worker sustained a “deep, painful” cut to his forearm and was off work for more than three months following the incident at Rare Butchers of Distinction Ltd in Chiltonian Industrial Estate,

The firm was fined a total £ 6,440 as the wound could have been prevented if he had been given elbow-length chain mail instead of a chain-mail glove, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard on May 1.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspector David Balfour said: “The deep, painful cut the butcher sustained was entirely preventable had he been wearing elbow- length chain mail gloves, which should have been provided by the company as a matter of course.

“Working with sharp knives poses clear risks, but not enough was done to mitigate those risks.

“It is imperative all employers properly assess the type of protective clothing or equipment their workers need, and provide it as necessary.”

The butchery firm also failed to report the incident to HSE within the 10-day legal limit from when it happened on July 21 and was fined £2,750 as well as £3,690 in costs.

The company pleaded guilty to one breach of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and one of the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Act 1995.

To find out more about personal protective equipment at work, visit hse.gov.uk/toolbox/ppe.htm