East Lancashire Box fined after boy’s hand is crushed in press

The company this week pleaded guilty to three charges under health and safety legislation and was fined £12,000. It was ordered to pay £3,451 costs.

East Lancashire Box Company managing director Nicholas Ingham said it was “a regrettable accident” and the first to happen at the company in 27 years.

“He was an enthusiastic boy who was helping out in a situation where he shouldn’t have been,” he said. “We’re hoping that he’ll make a full recovery.”

The boy has had several operations on the hand but is still unable to straighten it, which has prevented him from joining the armed forces as he had wished to do.

HSE inspector Matthew Lea said that it was “vital” that companies developed a safe system for cleaning and maintaining printing machines.

Lea also warned companies to “consider additional responsibilities associated with employing young people” such as supervision and proper training.

The case has prompted union Unite to call for tougher penalties for firms failing to protect their staff at work.

Assistant general secretary Tony Burke called the situation “disgraceful” and said that companies “who ignore health and safety procedures should face much stiffer penalties”.

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