The incident took place at M-real's New Thames site in Sittingbourne when a contractor suffered severe open wounds to his leg while replacing a press roll.

He was airlifted to hospital where his leg was amputated below the knee. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has begun.

Amicus assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: "It is appalling that this sort of thing is happening. Amicus is calling on all safety reps to ensure that they are involved in discussions with their employers about avoiding this type of accident.

"It is clear that this could occur in other mills, to either contractors or full-time employees."

Burke added: "We will be working with the Confederation of Paper Industries to ensure that these changes take place so we avoid other dangerous situations for paper industry workers."

M-real company secretary Dave Scudder said: "We are under a full investigation and the HSE has been called in. A number of recommendations have been made."

The news came as the HSE also investigated an accident involving a worker at book printer St Ives Clays, based in Bungay, Suffolk.

The 35-year-old worker suffered serious hand injuries last week when his hand became caught in a press. The worker was airlifted to hospital for emergency surgery on his hands and fingers.

Got a view on this article? Email letters.printweek@haynet.com