Halesowen forging company fined £750k over death of machinist
A Black Country forging firm has been fined £750,000 following the tragic death of a machinist who became entangled in a 20-metre-long lathe while at work.
Nick Hardiman, aged 54, died after the incident at Somers Forge Limited on Prospect Road, Halesowen, on December 8, 2023.
Mr Hardiman, from Kidderminster, was employed as a machinist at the firm’s Halesowen site.
On the day of the incident, he had been working on a lathe in the machine shop.
While using handheld emery cloth to finish a rotating component, he became caught in the moving parts of the machine and suffered catastrophic injuries.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died later that evening.
Mr Hardiman leaves behind his partner, Melanie; his parents, Michael and Doreen; and his siblings, Robert, Glenis, Lorraine and David.
Paying tribute, his siblings said: “We can’t comprehend how someone can go to work and not come home again. Everyone is absolutely devastated.”
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had failed to prohibit dangerous working practices and to implement adequate safety measures.
Inspectors concluded that Somers Forge Limited had not banned the use of handheld emery cloth on lathes, failed to prevent access to dangerous moving parts, and did not ensure that personal protective equipment worn by workers would not increase the risk of entanglement.
The company had also failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the lathe or to establish a safe operating procedure.
HSE guidance makes clear that emery cloth should never be applied directly by hand to a rotating component due to the risk of entanglement and being drawn into the machine.
Somers Forge Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Walsall Magistrates' Court on 18 February 2026. The company was fined £750,000 and ordered to pay £38,314 in costs.
In a moving statement, 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.
“I will forever miss the sound of his voice, the smell of his aftershave, the feel of his cuddles and kisses, and the times we would spend together.”
Mr Hardiman’s father, Michael, added: “We feel very proud when we speak about Nick, but it really hurts to talk. We think about Nick every single day.”
HSE Inspector Sophie Neale said: “This was an entirely preventable incident which has had tragic consequences.
“Employers must ensure that safe systems of work are in place and that workers are not exposed to foreseeable risks from dangerous machinery. My thoughts are with Nick’s family and friends.”
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Chloe Ward, supported by paralegal officer Stephen Grabe.
