Border Telegraph | News | Pulled into a machine

Saturday, 26th July, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 28th November, 2007 12:30

Pulled into a machine

A FULL safety probe has been launched across secondary schools in the Borders after a girl was dragged into a lathe machine at Galashiels Academy.

Scarves and ties could be banned from technical classes following the horrific accident just over a week ago.

Nadine Craig from Galashiels was pulled into the powerful machinery when her scarf became entangled.

Classmates looked on in horror as teachers attempted to free the 14-year-old.

Although we couldn’t have the details confirmed, it is believed the third year pupil may require skin grafts as a result of her injuries.

The schoolgirl spent two days in hospital following the incident.

Councillor Catriona Bhatia told the Border Telegraph: “Everyone is deeply concerned about this accident.

“We will await the Health and Safety Executive’s findings and act on them.”

Council officials and officers from the Health and Safety Executive are now conducting a full review of all technical classes and procedures at schools across the region.

The probe has still to be concluded but an outright ban on neckwear in practical metalwork and woodwork classes looks likely.

And new protection bibs for all pupils in technical classes are being ordered.

A council spokeswoman said: “No conclusions have yet been reached and a ban on ties and scarves is purely speculation at this point.”

Bosses at the council also praised the quick thinking of teachers.

The spokeswoman added: “Staff at the school called 999 for emergency medical support and the student was taken to Borders General Hospital with a member of staff.

“The student stayed at the BGH for 48 hours for observation before being discharged.

“School staff and the council’s health and safety officers are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive to review procedures.”

We spent two days asking the Health and Safety Executive to comment on the incident and the review – they have still to get back to us.

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