Dungannon Crown Court fined Balcas Timber Ltd £87,000 for health and safety breaches after a worker lost his right foot in an accident at the company's Ballinamallard site.

The incident took place on October 29, 2023. The employee operated a moveable track at the entrance to a timber treatment chamber. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service freed him from the equipment. An air ambulance flew him to hospital, where surgeons amputated the foot.

Health and Safety Executive NI investigation identified unmaintained limit switches on the plant. Defects often prevented safe operation. The worker tried to reset limit switches after the track stalled.

Operators routinely used a metal pin to bypass safety controls. This kept the machine live while workers accessed the track.

The company pleaded guilty to two health and safety offences. HSENI issued a Prohibition Notice to halt use of the defective plant and an Improvement Notice to enforce maintenance of safety features.

Johnathan Pollock, Balcas Chief Operations Officer, said the company accepts the court ruling. He noted full cooperation with the HSENI probe. Pollock stated the firm regrets the injury and supports the affected worker and family.

Balcas completed an internal safety review and updated procedures to avoid repeats.