The incident took place at St Helens-based Film & Foil Solutions, on 4 December 2023.
The worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, was using a plastic film converting machine at the firm’s factory on the Haydock Industrial Estate.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) report into what happened stated: “He tried to stop the material becoming tangled by using his hand to stop the poorly guarded rotating shaft.
“However, in doing so, his right index finger made contact with a rotating part of the machine and became entangled.”
Due to the seriousness of the injuries, surgery was carried out the following day to amputate part of the finger on his dominant right hand.
The worker said: “I was unable to carry out normal daily tasks such as tying my shoelaces.
“My right hand is my dominant hand and I find it extremely difficult to write with that hand now.
“I am now self-conscious when I go outside.
“My family have also been affected by the injury as I am unable to do normal things I used to be able to do before.
“As a result of the injury I feel my job prospects have been affected, both now and in the future.”
The HSE investigation found that Film & Foil Solutions had failed to protect its employees, including ensuring the machinery being used had suitable guarding.
The company had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, resulting in a failure to provide suitable guarding arrangements on the machine and had failed to put in place an adequate safe system of work.
HSE also found inconsistencies and inadequacies in the provision of information, instruction and training for those required to use the machine.
At Sefton Magistrates’ Court on 15 May Film & Foil Solutions pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £2,932 in costs.
HSE inspector Sam Eves commented: “This incident could so easily have been avoided had the company taken simple steps to guard dangerous parts of machinery and implement safe working practices.
“Companies and individuals should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
