Steel firm Compass Engineering Ltd and machine specialist Kaltenbach Ltd were jointly prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive following the incident at Whaley Road in Barugh Green, Barnsley, on 19 December 2008.

Compass employee Matthew Lowe got caught on a computer controlled conveyer system for moving heavy steel beams after peering into an outlet point to check a line of work.

He was forced though an opening just 125mm wide between a moving measuring head and a wall, suffering injuries that have caused lasting physical and psychological damage.

His injuries included rupturing his stomach and bowel, breaking his back in two places, shattering his pelvis, and fracturing both hips, his right arm and several ribs.

A HSE investigation found there was no guarding in place to protect him from dangerous moving parts.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that both parties were responsible for ensuring sufficient guarding was in place. The machine ultimately belonged to Compass Engineering after it was bought from new, but Kaltenbach installed and signed-off the equipment as being fit and ready for use.

Compass Engineering Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching safety breaches and was fined £45,000 and ordered to pay £24,000 in costs.

Kaltenbach Ltd, whose UK head office is based at Brunel Road, Bedford, also pleaded guilty and was fined £30,000 with costs of £16,000.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Chris Chambers said:  “It still amazes me that Matthew is here to tell the tale.

“His survival is quite remarkable, but that shouldn’t detract from the fact his life could easily have been lost because Compass Engineering and Kaltenbach ultimately failed to protect him when it mattered most.”

After the case, Lowe said: “What matters most is that the industry learns from my experience. My life has changed forever and no matter how well I recover from my physical injuries I will still have the psychological impact of the accident hanging over me.

“I hope my case highlights the dangers posed by not following health and safety regulations. It still won’t be able to put my life back to how it was before the accident but at least then it might prevent others from suffering in the future.

“Too many people are needlessly killed and injured in accidents at work. If hearing my story makes them think twice about safety and about the daily risks they face in the work place, then I’ll be happy. I know more than most why that is so important – and I really hope that message gets through.”