Company fined after man is trapped and crushed in machine

A Huddersfield company has been fined £60,000 after a worker was crushed to death in a baling machine.

Gary Lee was killed when attempting to clean the machine in Westwood Yams factory in 2008.

Mr Lee received multiple crush injuries after the machine re-activated whilst being cleaned. One plate trapped him horizontally before a vertical compressing ram started.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which mounted the prosecution said management safety failings at the factory were responsible for the tragedy. The court heard that Mr Lee, who had worked at the factory since he was 18 years of age (at the time of the accident he was 40 years old), had received no proper training in how to clean the machine but had undertaken the task when asked to do.

Westwood Yams Ltd pleaded guilty and were fined £60,000.

To find out whether you can make a claim for compensation contact our personal injury department:

• Ring us on 020 7485 8811

• Fill in our online form

• Text LEGAL to 60888