A window manufacturer has been fined after one of its workers had his finger severed by a rotating saw.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted East Cheshire Glass, in Macclesfield, after the accident on July 30, 2010.

The 26-year-old’s index finger on his left hand was cut off. The firm, based on London Road, which admitted breaching work equipment regulations, was fined £1,000 by Macclesfield magistrates’ court. It was also ordered to pay costs of £3,357.

The victim, from Cheadle Hulme, had only been at the company for six weeks.

He was cutting plastic to make window frames when his hand came into contact with a rotating blade. Safety guards covering the rapidly moving blades had been removed because they interfered with the cutting mechanism.

HSE inspector Jane Carroll, prosecuting, said: “He was cutting the plastic on the saw. The machine was not switched off between the cuts to improve the speed of work. The blades were moving at full speed. While he was removing plastic his left index finger came into contact with a saw blade.

“It was a major injury and the finger had to be amputated below the second knuckle. East Cheshire Glass had an absolute duty to ensure dangerous parts of the machine were protected to prevent injury.” The firm was served with an improvement notice and subsequently bought a new machine worth £4,000 with guards that enclosed the blades.

Barry Hall, defending, said: “The company’s standards fell below what is expected of them and it failed to comply with its duties.

“The directors have taken the steps required, removing the machine and replacing it. It has also reviewed its heath and safety processes.”

East Cheshire Glass was started in 1986 by business partners Keith Maxwell and the late Steven Platt. It is now run by his son Steven jnr, his wife Gillian and Mark Bunting. The firm employs 24 staff.

The victim no longer works for the company and has settled a civil claim against it.

Speaking after the hearing, Jane Carroll added: “These kinds of injuries are sadly all too common in the manufacturing industry so it is vital companies make sure suitable guards are in place.

“If the guards on the blades were causing problems then East Cheshire Glass should have adapted them in a way that meant the blades were still fully protected when they were raised.

“The company’s priority should have been the safety of its employees but instead one of its workers suffered a permanent injury when his hand came into contact with the unguarded rotating blade.”