Penalty after worker loses finger

The un-named man lost part of his forefinger in the accident

A book company has been told to pay £10,000 after an employee lost part of his finger whilst carrying out maintenance work on a conveyor system.

The 23-year-old was working at The Book People Ltd at Parc Menai, Bangor, in October 2006 when he was injured.

Following the case at Caernarfon Magistrates Court, Gwynedd County Council said it was "an horrific and avoidable accident".

The company said it deeply regretted the accident.

However in a statement chief executive officer Seni Glaister added the company, which employs 167 staff, had been "shocked by the severity of the fine levied against us".

The council said environmental health officer Manon Griffiths had discovered that the system of work for carrying out maintenance on the conveyor system was "inadequate", and that the company had failed to provide adequate instruction, training and supervision.

Following the case, Bleddyn Davies, the council's public protection manager said it was an "horrific and avoidable accident that could have been prevented".

One of our chief aims as an organisation has been to put the safety and welfare of our staff first Seni Glaister

"As a council we want to see local businesses thrive and are always happy to provide advice and assistance to Gwynedd's businesses.

"However, this case clearly demonstrates that business owners and managers must ensure that the health, safety and welfare of their staff, contractors and the public is given the highest priority," he added.

The Book People Ltd were fined £6,600 for the incident and was also ordered to pay full legal costs of £3,938.87.

Ms Glaister said: "We of course deeply regret the accident but were shocked by the severity of the fine levied against us.

"It appeared to be disproportionately high in comparison to similar cases and did not reflect our excellent safety and employment record and dismissed or ignored the many positive testimonials we received from experts in the community."

The company reported the accident within 48 hours and had taken immediate steps to improve upon the recording of safety training, which was the step they had failed to properly administer, according to Ms Glaister.

"The unfortunate accident happened in October 2006 and in my opinion we acted both decisively and responsibly.

"The council in the meantime appeared to be slow to respond and there was a lull of over a year before they eventually took action," she said.

"As local employers, we feel that both the company and our staff would have been better served had there been a more open and constructive dialogue between ourselves and the council, but we received very little in the way of advice or support.

"The Book People was founded 20 years ago and throughout that time one of our chief aims as an organisation has been to put the safety and welfare of our staff first.

"We have a highly skilled workforce, of which we are very proud, and a caring and proactive management team who wish to lead the field in their approach to staff welfare."