The incident occurred in March 2018 at GWP Group of Cricklade, Wiltshire, which makes a range of products including corrugated, retail ready and protective packaging. 

The worker was using the rotary die-cutting machine when his hand was dragged into its rollers. 

He suffered serious crush injuries, and lost “the majority of three fingers” as a result. 

An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found that the guard over the rollers was unsuitable as it could easily be lifted while the rollers were running, allowing access to the moving parts. 

In addition, the HSE also found that there had been a near miss involving the rollers in the months prior to the incident, but the guarding had not been changed.

At Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court GWP Group Ltd pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 11(1) of the Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. 

The firm was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,992.62.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Stacey Gamwell said the employee’s injury could have easily been prevented, and the risk should have been controlled.

“Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.”

GWP had not commented at the time of writing.