Firm fined after worker’s fingers severed, following a serious workplace accident that left an employee with life-changing injuries at a manufacturing site in West Yorkshire.
The incident happened in March 2024 at Askern UK’s premises in South Kirkby, near Pontefract, where a worker was injured while cleaning a printing machine.
What happened during the incident
In the incident where firm fined after worker’s fingers severed, a 57-year-old woman partially lost two fingers while cleaning the rollers of a printing machine with a paper towel. She was able to access dangerous moving parts of the equipment during the task, which directly led to the serious injury.
The Health and Safety Executive said the worker had not been properly trained to carry out the task safely and was exposed to unnecessary risk.
Safety failures identified
In the case where firm fined after worker’s fingers severed, investigators found that employees could reach dangerous parts of the machine far too easily. The company had also failed to properly maintain the printer and did not ensure that safety systems were correctly in place or used.
The HSE said suitable guarding, interlock systems, and proper employee training would have prevented the accident.
Court ruling and fine
Askern UK Limited admitted a single breach of health and safety law at Leeds Magistrates’ Court. The firm pleaded guilty to failing to protect its employee.
In the ruling where firm fined after worker’s fingers severed, the court ordered Askern UK to pay a £24,395 fine, along with a £2,000 victim surcharge and £5,000 in legal costs, taking the total penalty to over £30,000.
HSE response
HSE inspector Shauna Halstead said the case showed multiple failures by the company in relation to the printing machine. She explained that the employee had been asked to clean the machine without being given suitable information, instruction, or training, especially regarding safety devices designed to protect workers.
She added that proper safeguards and training would have stopped the incident from happening.
A wider workplace safety warning
The case where a firm fined after worker’s fingers severed highlights the dangers of poorly maintained machinery and inadequate staff training. Safety regulators continue to warn employers that failing to manage risks properly can result in serious injuries, legal action, and heavy financial penalties.
Incidents like this underline the importance of strong health and safety awareness in industrial workplaces. Organisations such as OSH Association focus on improving occupational safety standards, machine safety awareness, and employer responsibility. Access to clear guidance and training support can help businesses reduce accidents, protect workers, and avoid serious legal consequences.
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