A manufacturing company in Cleckheaton has been fined £300,000 after a worker lost part of a finger while cleaning a machine.

The man was working at Orean Personal Care Limited - which makes skin and hair care products - when the incident unfolded on October 8, 2021,

The worker was supervising five members of staff who were using a machine to fill tubes with a product that needed to stay hot.

During the process, the machine became contaminated and had to be cleaned. 

The employee was cleaning the machine when part of it moved and trapped his finger, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said.

The injury led to part of his middle finger being amputated.

The man still suffers pain in his finger end and may require further surgery.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the interlocked guard had been bypassed to allow the machine to run with the guard door open.

The risk was not managed properly and a range of employees from machine operators to cleaning staff were exposed to it.

HSE said it has detailed guidance on machine safety.

Orean Personal Care Limited - based on Stubbs Beck Lane, Cleckheaton - was called before Leeds Magistrates' Court on January 16, 2024.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Orean Personal Care Limited was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £4,511 in costs. 

After the hearing, HSE inspector Justine Lee said: “Moving machinery can cause serious injury and it is essential that access to it is prevented at all times, including during maintenance and cleaning work.

"The use of effective guarding is an absolute duty and, when complied with, will prevent this type of injury.”

This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski.

Orean Personal Care Limited did not respond to the Telegraph & Argus when approached for comment.