Firm pays out nearly £60k after worker's hand trapped in machine

A Maidenhead firm has been told to pay out nearly £60,000 after an employee was severely injured in a machinery accident.

The man was working for DS Smith Packaging when his hand became trapped in a machine and he was thrown in the air when it was started.

The 27-year-old, who does not wish to be named, suffered multiple fractures and had to take a year off work to recover.

Bosses from the firm's headquarters in Lower Cookham Road, Maidenhead, appeared at Skegness Magistrates Court on Monday and admitted breaking safety laws.

The incident happened at its factory in Louth, Lincolnshire, on June 9, 2010.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the incident was easily preventable.

It was ordered to pay a £50,000 fine and £8,244 costs.

Company spokesman Neil Osborne said the safety and well-being of staff was a 'key priority' and added: "We are constantly monitoring and seeking to achieve best practise in health and safety and that includes a willingness to learn and improve."