Window suppliers have been fined more than £20,000 after a newly married young worker amputated three fingers and a thumb on a power saw in a 'life changing injury'.

On Tuesday (June 30) Hammersmith Magistrates court heard that a 22-year-old employee at Maple Windows based in Argall Way, Leyton, was cutting a small piece of uPVC using a powered saw before his accident.

The worker, who does not wish to be named, disconnected the air supply to the saw so he could move the saw head manually.

As he pressed down on the saw head, the blade guard rose trapping his fingers and dragging them into the rotating blades.

His thumb and three fingers on his dominant hand were cut cleanly off.

Nearly 18 months on, from the incident in October 2013, he is unable to move his index finger, has little strength in the others and has great difficulty completing everyday tasks.

The newly-wed has not been able to return to work and fears for his future employment prospects.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which investigated, prosecuted Maple Windows and his bosses were found to have failed to ensure employees were using a powered saw in the right way.

The court heard they also failed to properly supervise workers using heavy machinery.

The company, registered at Eastern Avenue, Ilford were fined a total of £15,000 after admitting breaches of health and safety legislation and were ordered to pay the injured man £5,000 in compensation.

After the hearing HSE inspector Nick Wright said: “This young worker suffered a serious life-changing injury that has had a very damaging impact on him and his family.

“The accident happened because some workers misused the saw. Lacking supervision meant that the company did not detect the unsafe practice. After the incident Maple Windows dealt with both issues to protect their workers”.

“All firms must ensure workers understand the risks within their environment and the measures to control them. And equipment should only be used for tasks it is suitable for.”

Maple Windows have been approached for comment.