Southwark Crown Court heard how on 27 September 2016, at the company’s Kings Cross site in York Way, a forklift was being used to lift and swivel a large metal gate.

It was attached to the truck with a chain on an “O-ring” that was slotted onto the forklift with nothing to prevent it sliding off.

As the gate was being lifted, it slipped off and fell to the floor, slicing off the welder’s four fingers.

An HSE investigation found that Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited did not properly plan and supervise this lifting operation to ensure it was carried out in a safe manner.

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited of Maidenhead pleaded guilty to breaching lifting regulations and was fined £400,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £11,376.25.

Speaking after the case HSE inspector Jane Wolfenden said: “The use of forklift truck, chain and O-ring was unsafe, putting workers at unnecessary risk.

“This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply having a competent person plan a safe lifting operation and providing adequate supervision to ensure the lifting operation was carried out safely.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”