A Preston based company has been fined after 59-year old Kevin Hebblethwaite suffered serious hand injuries in a machinery incident.

Preston Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr Hebblethwaite was employed as a mill operative for Bowland Country Feeds Limited (BCFL). On the 16 February 2016, Mr Hebblethwaite was carrying out a work related activity when his hand came into contact with rotating metal blades.

Mr Hebblethwaite suffered hand injuries requiring amputation to parts of his index and middle fingers of his right dominant hand.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that BCFL failed to ensure all machinery on site had the required level of safety guarding to prevent injuries to workers. It was also found that BCFL failed to properly plan and identify the risks associated with moving parts of machinery that were not properly guarded.

Bowland Country Feeds Limited, formerly of Oakenclough Mill, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the company has been fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,689.46

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Leona Cameron said: “This incident could have easily been prevented had Bowland Country Feeds Limited taken the necessary action to ensure all moving parts of machinery had the required level of safety guarding in place, to protect workers operating the machinery.

“Mr Hebblethwaite suffered serious injuries due to BCFL’s failings. All workers have the right to return home from work safely and healthy; they should not be injured by the work they do.”