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PHW · Machinery · 2026-02-18

Somers Forge Limited fined £750,000 after a machinist was fatally entangled in a lathe

Halesowen, West Midlands · Walsall Magistrates' Court

What happened

A machinist became entangled in a 20 metre long lathe while using handheld emery cloth to finish a rotating component. Emergency services attended but were unable to save him.

Injuries: Fatal; he died later the same evening.

The breach

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

The sentence

  • Fine: £750,000
  • Costs: £38,314
HSE inspector

“This was an entirely preventable incident which has had tragic consequences.”

What would have prevented it

Manual finishing work on long rotating components needs a documented safe system of work, not reliance on the operator's own caution.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and evidence for manufacturing sites

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Quiz

Could a visitor on your shop floor check an operator's training record in under a minute?

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Source: HSE press release, Forging company fined over death of employee entangled in lathe