Injury while grinding without PPE

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 1 March 2005
  • Generated on 7 July 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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