The firm, of Spring Garden Mill, in Spring Garden Road, pleaded guilty at Reedley Magistrates' Court to four charges resulting from two incidents. They were fined at total of £4,000 and ordered to pay total costs of £3,000.

In July 2006 an employee was changing a plastic bag on the dust extraction system, when he slipped and his arm became trapped in an unguarded part of the machine, leading to crush injuries to his hand. Then, in January 2007, an employee was using his hand to distribute resin in a hopper when a rotating agitator came into contact with it, injuring his fingers, which required surgery.

In relation to the incident in 2006, the company were fined £500 under health and safety laws, for failing to make a suitable assessment of the risk to their employees, and fined a further £1,500 for failing to ensure someone was not exposed to risk.

In relation to the incident in 2007, the company were fined £500 for failing to make a suitable assessment of the risk, and fined £1,500 for failing to ensure the safety of employees.

Health and Safety Executive Inspector Sheldon Taylor said: "These were entirely preventable incidents had the machines being properly guarded. While the injuries were not serious, the consequences could have been far worse.

"Companies have a responsibility for the health and safety of their employees which includes carrying out proper risk assessments and machines being guarded."

The court heard the company makes noise reduction trim for the automotive industry.