A MAN was taken to hospital with leg injuries after getting trapped under a steel beam while at work.

The man was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg after the incident at James Killelea and Company in Crawshawbooth at around 4pm on Thursday.

The loader, who is believed to be in his 30s, was kept in overnight at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Bob Killelea, owner of James Killelea, said the man became trapped by a steel beam that was coming through a processing machine on rollers.

He said: “He was trapped for about five minutes before we reversed the beam back and pulled him out.

“He was in pain. His leg is not broken but it is scarred and scuffed. He had to have stitches.

“He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they kept him in overnight for observation.

“His supervisor has spoken to him and said he had a good night, eaten a hearty breakfast and was waiting for the doctor to come round. The main thing is his leg is not broken.”

He said the man, believed to be from Burnley, had worked for the company for around 10 years.

“We will be doing a full accident report which will be passed to the Health and Safety Executive,” Mr Killelea added.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: “HSE have not been made aware of this incident.

“The duty holder has 10 working days to notify HSE if it is reportable under RIDDOR.”