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PHW · Machinery · 2026-03-26

Commercial Lines Limited (T/A HLN Supplies) fined £16,000 after two workers lost fingers in separate machinery incidents

Leeds, West Yorkshire · Leeds Magistrates' Court

What happened

Two workers sustained finger injuries in separate machinery incidents within ten days. One reached into a sanding machine ventilation port and contacted a rotating metal disk, while the other's hand contacted a table saw blade while cutting plastic strips.

Injuries: One worker had her middle finger amputated and part of another finger amputated; the second worker lost part of his index finger above the knuckle and required surgery on his middle finger.

The breach

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Section 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The sentence

  • Fine: £16,000
  • Costs: £6,534
HSE inspector

“For this company to have not one but two completely avoidable incidents in such a short time shows systemic health and safety failings.”

What would have prevented it

A single machinery incident should trigger an immediate review of guarding across all similar equipment, not just the machine involved.

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Source: HSE press release, Plastics firm fined after two workers lose fingers in just ten days