The HSE said the increase showed that courts were getting tougher with companies, according to figures released in its latest annual report.
Mike Wilcock, head of the HSE's paper and printing national sector group, said that in the past 12 months 13 printers and two papermakers had been prosecuted, and fines had started to increase noticeably.
"There has been an emphasis on enforcement of fines where companies have failed to fulfil their legal duties and protect the workforce," said Wilcock.
Over the past 12 months, one of the largest fines was imposed on papermaker North Wales Tissue, which was fined £7,000 plus £12,000 costs in September, and £17,000 with £2,000 costs in October for failing to prevent accidents.
Printer Regent Envelopes was also fined £10,000 in September with £2,500 costs for similar offences.
Wilcock said fines depended on two main factors: the seriousness of the offence, determined by whether it considers the firm acted recklessly by not taking proper measures; and the firm's financial position.
The HSE is now obliged to obtain details of a company's turnover and profits, which will be taken into account in the size of the fine imposed.
Story by Andy Scott
Picture: paper - prosecutions up
