A plastic manufacturing company in Suffolk has been fined £330,000 after the death of a 34-year-old employee in a workplace incident.

Nathan Hook, a father of one, sustained fatal head injuries while operating machinery at Maynard and Harris Plastics’ premises in Ellough, near Beccles, on 7 October 2021.

Hook was working a late shift in the tool room, operating a lathe to create a workpiece. While using emery cloth by hand to polish the metal, the cloth became entangled with the rotating workpiece, drawing him in. His sweatshirt sleeve also became caught, pinning him against the machinery and causing fatal injuries.

Company Admits Breach of Health and Safety Regulations

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Maynard and Harris Plastics failed to provide adequate health and safety training regarding the use of emery cloth on lathes. The company also lacked a sufficient risk assessment to explore safer alternatives, such as applying the emery cloth using a stick.

Speaking after the court hearing, Nathan’s mother, Jacqueline Castledine, said, “I have very mixed emotions but pleased Nathan’s been completely exonerated. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those have supported us throughout this horrendous ordeal, far too many to mention. But mostly the HSE for their thorough investigation and its conclusions. We must now try to move forward keeping Nathan with us always.”

Maynard and Harris Plastics pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. On 5 December 2024, Chelmsford Magistrates Court imposed a £330,000 fine and ordered the company to pay £4,373 in costs. The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyers Nathan Cook and Jon Mack, with paralegal officer Imogen Isaac providing support.

HSE inspector Natalie Prince said, “Our thoughts remain with Nathan’s family. He was a young dad who should have returned home safely to them at the end of his working day, but because of this company’s failings, he did not.”