A MONMOUTH firm has been fined £20,000 after a worker lost the sight in one eye.

Mandarin Stone was also ordered to pay £2,860 in costs after admitting an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1970.

In February this year an employee who was driving a nail into a packing crate lost the sight in one eye when it rebounded.

A spokesperson for Mandarin said the company was “devastated” by the injury and was doing everything it could to support his recovery – including creating a new role to allow him to continue working with the firm.

An investigation by specialist environmental health officers from Monmouthshire County Council found the company had failed to provide eye protection for workers and had failed to assess the risks associated with packing crates.

A council spokesman said: “Improvement notices were served following the investigation, and the company has subsequently implemented a safe system of work for this activity – including the provision of protective eye wear.”

Council leader Peter Fox, (Con, Portskewett), added: “The environmental health commercial team remains committed to the protection of public and employee health and safety, throughout the county’s many businesses, using a range of proactive and reactive interventions to secure compliance – namely: advice, education, and through proportionate enforcement action.”

A spokesperson for Mandarin Stone said: “We’re devastated that a Mandarin employee was injured while working for the company and have done everything we can to support him in his recovery.

“We have co-operated fully with the local authority throughout their investigations, and have since carried out an intensive review of our operations and procedures to make sure all safety risks are mitigated.

“As a family business we’re committed to looking after our employees and I’m delighted that he has decided to remain with the company in a newly-created role following the accident.

“Revised procedures are in place and Mandarin Stone are committed to ensuring all employees continue to receive the training and support they need to ensure such an accident can never happen again.”