Company fined £750k over employee's fatal injuries

A company has been fined £750,000 after an employee was killed when he became entangled in a 20m (66ft) lathe.

Nick Hardiman, 54, from Kidderminster, suffered fatal injuries on 8 December 2023 while working at Somers Forge Limited in Halesowen in the West Midlands.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Sophie Neale said the incident had been "entirely preventable" with "tragic consequences".

Mr Hardiman's partner, Melanie, said: "Nick had everything to live for - a loving home and a partner who adored him, family and friends, and a fulfilling life ahead of him. We used to have a life; now I just exist."

She added: "I will forever miss the sound of his voice, the smell of his aftershave, the feel of his cuddles and kisses, and the times we would spend together."

HSE found the Halesowen company had failed to prohibit dangerous working practices, prevent access to moving machinery parts, and establish safe operating procedures.

According to the HSE, Hardiman suffered "catastrophic injuries" while using a handheld emery cloth to finish a rotating component before he became entangled in the dangerous moving parts of the lathe.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the Kidderminster man died later that evening.

His siblings Robert, Glenis, Lorraine and David said: "We can't comprehend how someone can go to work and not come home again. Everyone is absolutely devastated."

While his dad Michael, said: "We feel very proud when we speak about Nick, but it really hurts to talk. We think about Nick every single day."

A report published by the HSE on Thursday said Somers Forge Limited had failed to:

• Prohibit the use of a handheld emery cloth on lathes.
• Prevent access to dangerous moving parts of the lathe.
• Ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by workers did not create risk of being injured by, or drawn into, the lathe.
• Undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the lathe, or establish a safe operating procedure.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

At Walsall Magistrates' Court the company was fined £750,000 and ordered to pay £38,314 in costs.

A spokesperson for Somers Forge Limited said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our respected colleague Nick Hardiman.

"We are considering the judge's remarks and remain fully committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all our employees."

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