Firm fined after machine accidentA firm has been fined after a worker's hand was badly injured in a machine used to coat paper with resin to produce backing for laminated products.
North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard how Gary Burke, 45, of North Shields, lost the little finger on his right hand when it was drawn between two rotating metal rollers at Formica Ltd in North Shields in November last year.
Investigating the incident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found there had been recurrent production problems with the machine ahead of the accident.
Mr Burke underwent a number of operations, but doctors were unable to save his little finger. He hopes that they will be able to re-construct two of the other fingers on the hand that were also damaged to restore some function long term.
While he has returned to work, he has not been able to do his former job and is now on light duties.
Formica Ltd, of Cobalt Business Park, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. As well as the fine, the company was ordered to pay £4741.60 in costs.
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