A STOURBRIDGE engineering firm has been fined after a man lost his thumb following an incident at work.

Mechanical engineer Terence Grove was using a rope sling attached to a crane to lift a half-ton angle plate at M I Engineering Company Ltd in Bromley Street, Lye, when the sling snapped.

The thumb on his right hand was crushed by the falling steel plate and had to be amputated after the incident on June 30 last year.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Mr Grove had been using the sling for several years without it being thoroughly examined and with no indication of its safe working load.

Risk assessments for work at the factory had also not been carried out.

The company admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £7,500 and ordered to pay £3,321 costs at a hearing at Dudley Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard Mr Grove, aged 55, now has difficulty carrying out everyday activities such as holding a pen, cutlery and tools and getting dressed.

He has returned to work but has to do everything left-handed or ask colleagues for help.

He also needs a further operation later this year to remove a number of pins from his hand.

HSE inspector Angela Gallagher said: "This was a preventable incident that has left a man permanently disabled.

"It highlights the importance of properly managing health and safety in general, and in particular ensuring the risks from lifting heavy items are understood.

"All companies must ensure they manage risks in the workplace properly. It is unacceptable to rely simply on the experience of their employees."