Manufacturing Firm Fined £340,000 After Swindon Worker's Severe Hand Injury

A significant Swindon workplace safety fine has been levied against a manufacturing company.

Swindon Workplace Safety Breach Leads to Severe Injury

Tyco Electronics UK Limited has received a substantial fine. A worker suffered severe hand injuries at its Swindon site. The incident occurred during machinery cleaning.

The 42-year-old employee was cleaning a pellet manufacturing machine. This happened on a night shift on 7 March 2023. He reached into the open machine. The hydraulic ram activated, trapping his hand. He pulled his arm free, tearing nerves and tendons.

The worker required three operations. He spent ten days in Southmead Hospital. Recovery involved twice-weekly hospital visits for dressing changes and physiotherapy. He continues to experience loss of sensation and movement in his fingers. Movement in his thumb has partially returned.

Regulatory Action Emphasises Safety Protocols

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident. They found Tyco Electronics UK Limited failed to protect employees. Suitable safety measures were absent from their operational procedures. Employees lacked sufficient information and instruction on safe machine use. Training was inadequate, and supervision was insufficient.

HSE guidance stresses safe isolation procedures. This applies before any maintenance or cleaning work. Employers must properly isolate equipment from power sources. Systems require regular monitoring and review to prevent inadvertent start-up.

Tyco Electronics UK Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £340,000. Costs of £5,145 were also ordered. This ruling came from Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 17 April 2026.

HSE Inspector Emma Preston commented on the case. “Machinery accidents during maintenance and cleaning are all too common,” she stated. “These often have serious consequences.” Inspector Preston stressed proper isolation of machinery. This prevents restarts during tasks. She added, “Incidents like this can and should be prevented by following robust lock-off procedures.”

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It ensures workplace health and safety. The HSE works to protect people and places. It helps everyone lead safer and healthier lives.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official clinical data from NHS Trust / Health Authority. Document: Manufacturing company fined £340,000 after worker seriously injured while cleaning machinery Source Link: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/04/21/manufacturing-company-fined-340000-after-worker-seriously-injured-while-cleaning-machinery/

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