Chipboard manufacturer Egger UK has been fined £25,000 following two serious workplace accidents at its Hexham plant.
The company pleaded guilty to six breaches of health and safety legislation after the incidents that led to one man suffering serious crush injuries and another needing to have his leg amputated.
Egger UK was fined £25,400 and ordered to pay £11,881 in costs. It was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.
HSE inspector of health and safety, Bruno Porter, said employers must prevent or control risks to people’s health from equipment they use at work.
“Any assessment and safe working practice must include safe isolation of all sources of energy, electrical and mechanical,” he said.