A Northamptonshire flour company has been fined £300,000 after a maintenance worker tragically lost part of his finger in a workplace machinery incident. The case, prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), has once again raised urgent questions about safety compliance and planning during maintenance operations in industrial settings.
The incident occurred on 28 June 2023 at ADM Milling Limited’s facility on Earlstrees Industrial Estate in Corby. David Wood, then 59, was undertaking maintenance work on a packer closing station when the 800-kilogram unit suddenly became unstable. It tipped backwards without warning, crushing Mr Wood’s left hand. The severe injury at work led to the amputation of his little finger.
An HSE investigation concluded that ADM Milling Limited failed to properly apply a risk assessment associated with the maintenance work being conducted. The regulator found that the task had not been suitably planned, nor had measures been taken to protect workers from such an eventuality.
During proceedings at Northampton Magistrates Court on 4 June 2025, ADM Milling Limited—based at Brunel Road, Corby—pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The court imposed a £300,000 fine and ordered the company to pay an additional £7,517 in costs.
Maintenance failures continue to cause avoidable injuries
The HSE has been clear that this injury was entirely avoidable. Abbey Hodson, the inspector who led the investigation, issued a stark warning to the industry. “This incident was wholly avoidable,” she said. “The case should highlight to industry that all maintenance tasks, whether they are planned or unplanned, should be carefully assessed and reviewed to ensure that anyone under their control is protected from harm.
“Had this task been competently risk assessed, other control measures that prevented this incident would have been identified.”
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Wells and supported by paralegal officer Helen Hugo.
HSE guidance stresses that maintenance must be properly planned and executed to avoid injuries and fatalities. Poorly managed maintenance activities can result in serious consequences, either during the task itself or when operating malfunctioning equipment that has not been safely maintained. Additional HSE resources on safe maintenance practices can be found under their official guidelines: Maintenance of work equipment – HSE.
Industry implications and the role of compliance
The substantial fine levied against ADM Milling Limited serves as a sobering reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities all employers face in ensuring a safe working environment. As industries across the UK push for improved productivity, it remains critical that basic health and safety protocols are never compromised—particularly when it comes to high-risk tasks such as machinery maintenance.
The Workers Union Says…
“The Workers Union reiterates the importance of clear, consistent risk assessments, appropriate training, and supervision when working with complex equipment. These essential safeguards not only protect workers but also ensure companies remain compliant with long-standing health and safety legislation. Health and safety breaches can result in more than financial penalties; they can damage a company’s reputation, lower workforce morale, and—most importantly—change lives in an instant.”
