A YOUNG woman’s arm was ripped off during a horrific accident at work – six months after the firm she worked for was warned of safety fears.

Now Nicola Bauckham, 27, from Gravesend, is pursuing a claim for thousands of pounds in damages after losing her arm while cleaning a mixing machine.

Ms Bauckham was working for AEI Compounds as a laboratory technician at its Northfleet site when the accident happened.

Dartford magistrates heard how the hazard the machine posed was raised at a company meeting six months before the incident happened, but nothing was done.

Ms Bauckham’s glove had became trapped in a 40cm rotating screw, which sliced off her left arm below the elbow, leaving her deeply traumatised, the magistrates heard.

The thermoplastics company admitted failing to conduct a risk assessment on the machine and failing to ensure the health and safety of its employees.

The magistrates committed the case to Maidstone Crown Court which has greater sentencing powers and where the company faces an unlimited fine.

Solicitors for Ms Bauckham said she also planned to seek compensation at a civil proceeding. She has not worked since the incident in July 2005.

Julian Matthews, defending, said: “The company does not wish to play down the seriousness of the incident.”

He said it had paid sick pay beyond mandatory requirements, had a good safety record and undertook a wide-ranging review of health and safety.

FULL STORY IN TODAY'S GRAVESEND MESSENGER