THE Health and Safety Executive has warned manufacturers to take more care of their workforce after an "horrific" accident at a Worcestershire carpet firm.

Carpets of Kidderminster Ltd was fined £45,000 for breaching health and safety at work legislation after a woman suffered serious head injuries at its Green Street, Kidderminster, site.

Worker Margaret Griffiths was pulled into a yarn reeling machine when her clothes became caught on an unfenced rotating reel on Friday, December 14.

The 56-year-old from Kidderminster was rushed to hospital with a two-inch metal bracket embedded in her skull.

Carpets of Kidderminster - which was also ordered to pay £4,331 costs - admitted three charges at Worcester Crown Court.

The firm admitted failing to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of risks, failing to ensure the emergency stop trip wire was in efficient working order, and failing to take effective measures to prevent access to dangerous parts.

HSE's Worcester inspector Kay Brookes warned manufacturing firms that they must give greater attention to the safety of their workforce when using large machinery.

"This was an horrific case and the judge took a serious view of the offences involved, as does the HSE," she said.

"The incident was potentially fatal, yet easily preventable.

"Businesses must realise they have a responsibility for the safety of their workforce and take all the health and safety measures necessary to prevent accidents occurring."