A pipework supplier has been fined after a worker was left with life-changing injuries when he was dragged into a machine he was operating.

Craig Horton, 26, suffered a badly broken arm by the accident at ASLR Fabrication Services Ltd of Opal Way, Stone, Staffordshire in September 2014.

Mr Horton was using the machinery, which cut threading onto galvanised pipes, for only the second day.

Stafford Magistrates’ Court heard that when the pipe started to rotate it snagged on his hoody top, trapping him and leaving him unable to breath properly.

Two co-workers cut his clothes off to release him from the machine.

He required surgery to place 12 pins and two metal plates into his arm, which was broken in two places.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) experts said the accident could have been avoided if a risk assessment had been undertaken and proper safety procedures put in place.

The court fined ASLR Fabrication Services Ltd £6,000 each after the company pleaded guilty to two offences under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. It was also ordered to pay HSE costs of £1,377.

HSE inspector Kath Blunt said: “This accident was entirely preventable. This could very easily have been a fatality.

“It is imperative that risk assessments are carried out in order to identify significant risks and suitable control measures to be put in place to eliminate or reduce such risks.”

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