Dyson fined £1.2m after machine falls on worker at factory in Malmesbury
It happened in August 2019.
Technology company Dyson has been fined more than a million pounds after an industrial accident at its factory in Malmesbury.
One of the firm's employees was injured after a 1.5 tonne piece of equipment fell on top him while he was working on it in August 2019.
The man suffered injuries to his head and chest
Investigators found the company had not provided "suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training" to its staff - and that the man could have died in the incident.
At Swindon Magistrates' Court, Dyson was ordered by pay £1.2 million for breaching health and safety laws.
"This incident could have been fatal," said Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector James Hole. "Those in control of work have a duty to assess the risks, devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workforce.
"Had a suitable safe system of work been in place this incident and the related injuries could have been prevented."
Dyson said: "The health, safety and well-being of Dyson's people is our number one priority. Prior to this case, Dyson has had no convictions, or enforcement history related to health and safety at work.
"We are thankful that the employee was not more seriously hurt and has been able to return to work at Dyson.
"As an engineering company, we use complex and often heavy equipment and take care to do so safely. We deeply regret that this happened and we accept the court's decision today.
"We were pleased that in its judgement the court noted our 'excellent safety record', our 'prompt response to this incident and full cooperation at the highest level within the company' and said that Dyson is an 'exemplary corporate citizen'."