A FERNDOWN-based firm has been prosecuted after a worker was injured by a metal clamp.

The man, who does not want to be named, was hurt on September 12 2012 as he was operating a lathe as part of his work for TG Engineering Ltd.

The company was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation found that the machine’s interlock guard had been disabled.

Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court heard that the worker had inadvertently entered a speed of 3,520 rpm, which was much higher than intended.

This caused a solid metal workpiece and clamp to eject through the open door of the lathe and hit him. He was unable to work for a two weeks as he recovered from the bruising he sustained.

The company, of Sterling Business Park, was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £8,369 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.