Mill's £80,000 fine for death

Georgia Pacific admitted breaching health and safety regulations

A paper manufacturer has been fined £80,000 after a worker was crushed to death by a machine.

Father-of-three Tommy Skye, 57, was carrying out maintenance on a mill making toilet paper when he was killed after being trapped between a metal plate and a handrail.

Plant owners Georgia Pacific GB Ltd admitted breaching health and safety regulations over the accident at the plant in Bridgend, South Wales.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that colleagues tried to revive Mr Skye after the accident but he later died from crush injuries.

He was a valued, long-standing employee and the company fully accept their responsibility for the failures that led to his death Philip Marshall, defending Georgia Pacific

Prosecutor John Allchurch said Mr Skye was inside the mill when a colleague started the machinery.

He said: "A few seconds after pressing the switch to start the machine he heard a colleague shouting.

"Tragically Mr Skye was trapped between a metal plate and the safety railing.

"Colleagues and first aiders tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him."

The court heard that Mr Skye, of Garth, Maesteg, was trapped by a metal plate called a foil as it moved into position when the machine restarted.

Mr Skye was one of 400 staff at the factory and had worked there for 37 years.

'Regret and sorrow'

The court heard he was a "highly respected" employee.

Philip Marshall, defending Georgia Pacific, said: "The company wishes to publicly express its deepest regret and sorrow at the circumstances that led to the death of Tommy Skye.

"He was a valued, long-standing employee and the company fully accept their responsibility for the failures that led to his death."

He added that the company had now improved safety at the plant.

Judge Mr Justice Elias also ordered Manchester-based to pay £9,000 costs.

"This is a tragic case. Obviously no penalty can bring Mr Skye back," he said.

"What has been lost is a priceless life, beyond any calculation in terms of a fine.

'Sadness'

"The accident was one which ought to have been foreseen.

"The risk could have been eliminated at a relatively low cost.

After the case Health and Safety Executive inspector Phil Charett said: "We have got to get the message out to companies that they must take safety seriously.

"One workplace death is one too many."