Forge fined £750k after worker fatally entangled in lathe

Nick Hardiman had been employed by Somers Forge Limited as a machinist when he died on 8 December 2023 after becoming entangled in dangerous moving parts of a lathe.

HSE guidance states emery cloth should never be applied directly by hand to a rotating component, as there is a risk of the operator becoming entangled or dragged into the danger zone.

Nick Hardiman was fatally injured while at work in the West Midlands forge. Photograph: HSE

Yet, that is exactly what Hardiman, 54, had been doing as he worked on a lathe at Somers Forge Limited in Halesowen.

HSE added that Somers Forge had also failed to ensure PPE worn by workers did not create a risk of being injured by, or drawn into, the lathe.

The company is the 10th oldest family-run firm in the UK and services the defence, oil and gas, and aerospace sectors. HSE found that the firm failed to:

• Prohibit dangerous working practices;
• Prevent access to moving machinery parts;
• Establish safe operating procedures.

“This was an entirely preventable incident which has had tragic consequences,” commented investigating HSE inspector Sophie Neale.

“Employers must ensure that safe systems of work are in place and that workers are not exposed to foreseeable risks from dangerous machinery.”

Lathes at Somers Forge. Photograph: HSE

Mr Hardiman leaves behind his partner, Melanie, three siblings and his parents.

In a joint statement, Robert, Glenis, Lorraine and David; Nick's siblings said: “We can't comprehend how someone can go to work and not come home again. Everyone is absolutely devastated.”

Somers Forge Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £750,000 and ordered to pay £38,314 in costs at Walsall Magistrates' Court on 18 February 2026.

Nick's partner Melanie said: “Nick had everything to live for - a loving home and a partner who adored him, family and friends, and a fulfilling life ahead of him. We used to have a life; now I just exist.”

Nick's father Michael said: "We feel very proud when we speak about Nick, but it really hurts to talk. We think about Nick every single day."