AN APPRENTICE suffered hand injuries in two accidents just weeks apart at a pine showroom in Rossendale, a court heard.

Simon Davies, 20, was working at Village Pine in Stacksteads when he injured his thumb while using a circular saw, Reedley magistrates were told.

And on the day company lawyers wrote to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) promising that safety procedures had been tightened up, he was allowed to use a moulding machine without proper supervision and severely injured his left index finger.

Company partners Kenneth Bramhall, 51, and Gill Brown, 64, of Old Trough Gate Farm, Tong Lane, Britannia, near Bacup, both admitted two offences of failing to ensure adequate protection and training for Mr Davies.

Michael Mullen, prosecuting for the HSE, said the accident occurred as the apprentice was feeding a 60cm length of wood into a spindle moulder, while making Gothic-style doors for a cabinet.

While the wood was being cut it ‘kicked back’ dragging Mr Davies’ hands towards the machine’s rotating blades.

In a statement, Mr Davies, a former Burnley College apprentice, said he felt the firm ‘blamed’ him for both the circular saw and moulder accidents.

He had always wanted to become a joiner but now worked as a sales assistant at HMV in Burnley.

Mr Mullen said the moulder accident could have been prevented by using guards.

Michelle Brown, defending, said the couple, had adopted a ‘hands off’ management style, leaving the day-to-day running of the firm to a works manager but they accepted they were ultimately responsible and were sorry.

Magistrates adjourned the case until September 30 for financial assessments for the defendants.