A Cheshire company has been fined £30,000 after a teenage agency worker lost his right arm in a work-related accident.

Oliver Britton, 18, was working at Airbags International when his limb was crushed and had to be subsequently amputated at the shoulder.

According to the Sentinel, he also suffered severe injuries including several compound fractures.

In April, the company admitted contravening heath and safety laws – as outlined in Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court.

At a hearing on Friday (30th June) at Chester Crown Court, Judge David Boulton ruled that Mr Britton had been "grievously injured" in what was "an accident waiting to happen".

Iain Evans, an inspector for the Health and Safety Executive, commented: "This should serve as a timely warning to all companies that they have a clear responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their workforce."