A Preston engineering firm has been fined after a worker was killed when he became entangled in machinery.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation detailed how Michael Lohaza was found dead after becoming trapped in a lathe at Autoy Ltd's site on Castleton Road in Preston on 10 January 2009.

The machine which caused Mr Lohaza's death

The 45-year-old, from Ashton-on-Ribble in Preston, was discovered by two colleagues in a small building next to the main workshop, where he had been working alone. He had worked at the firm for 28 years.

Preston Crown Court heard Mr Lohaza was killed when he became entangled on a one-metre-long metal screw, while cutting its thread on a lathe. The screw was rotating approximately 200 times every minute.

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Autoy Ltd was prosecuted by HSE for failing to ensure Mr Lohaza's safety, and for failing to assess the risks workers faced while operating lathes

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Autoy Ltd was fined £17,500 and ordered to pay £12,251 costs at Preston Crown Court on 24 September

Michael Clarke, the investigating inspector at HSE, said: "It is extremely sad that Michael Lohaza needlessly lost his life after nearly three decades working for the same company.

"The risk of entanglement on lathes is well known in the engineering industry, which is why trained machine operators are required to wear suitable clothing. Those with long hair should be told to have it securely fastened and out of harm’s way.

"Autoy was unable to demonstrate it had assessed the risks faced by employees working alone on the lathe. It should have made sure all workers, including Michael, wore suitable clothing while operating the lathe. If they had taken this action then Michael might still be alive today."

(CD)