A Northamptonshire flour producer has been hit with a £300,000 fine after a maintenance worker lost part of his finger in a machinery accident.
The incident occurred on 28 June 2023 at ADM Milling’s Corby site, located on the Earlstrees Industrial Estate.
David Wood was carrying out maintenance on a packer closing station when the 800-kilogram machine toppled backwards and trapped his left hand, resulting in the amputation of his little finger.
Following the accident, a yellow brace was added to the machine to prevent further tipping.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concluded that ADM Milling had failed to adequately manage the risks associated with maintenance tasks.
The investigation found that the company had not properly assessed the job Wood had been assigned, exposing him to unnecessary danger.
ADM Milling pleaded guilty at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on 4 June 2025 to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Along with the £300,000 fine, the firm was ordered to pay £7,517 in court costs.
Abbey Hodson, HSE inspector said: “This incident was wholly avoidable. The case should highlight to industry that all maintenance tasks, whether they are planned or unplanned, should be carefully assessed and reviewed to ensure that anyone under their control is protected from harm.
“Had this task been competently risk assessed, other control measures that prevented this incident would have been identified.”
