Injury while grinding without PPE
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 March 2005
- Generated on 19 November 2025
- IMCA SF 03/05
- 1 minute read
A worker was cutting an aluminium roof using a grinder when the wheel came apart, striking the worker in the face and causing serious injury between his upper lips and nose. A two week stay in the hospital was recommended by the doctor.
What were the causes?
The company involved noted that:
- An improper grinding wheel had been used.
- No safety guard was found on the grinder.
- A face shield was not used.
- The worker had ignored both the company’s safety instructions and the warning labels/instructions on the grinding tool.
Lessons learnt
The company has re-emphasised the importance of following correct and safe practices, using the right tool for the job and adhering to all warning labels/signs.
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