Rotork UK has been fined £15,000 for safety failings which led to a worker suffering head injuries at its site in Huthwaite.

Mansfield Magistrates' Court heard how on 31 January 2014, a 30-year-old worker was struck in the face by a chuck key at the site, resulting in serious injuries.

The chuck key was ejected from the lathe while there was no chuck guard fitted to the machine at the time of the incident.

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The worker was left with a fractured right eye socket, damaged teeth and bruising to the brain that was fortunately not life threatening. However, he was unable to return to work for ten months and is unable to carry out physical sports of drive at night.

The Bath-based manufacturer pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Section 33(1)(c) and 33(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Along with being fined, Rotork UK was ordered to pay over £1,700 in costs and a victim surcharge of £120.

HSE Inspector Robert Cox said: "Failing to identify appropriate guarding for machines can lead to serious accidents. There are well established standards which Rotork UK Ltd had failed to achieve."

(LM)