A tool supply company has been fined £24,000 for ignoring warnings that poorly maintained equipment could kill its employees.

Arrow Tools Ltd of Gordon Road, Waltham Abbey, was ordered to shape up by the Health and Safety Executive in 2011, after an inspection found that equipment care was insufficient.

Watford Magistrates heard yesterday that despite continued warnings the company did not correctly maintain grinding machines, fixed electrical systems and a variety of power tools.

In fact, the HSE served four Improvement Notices on the company, including one to improve management arrangements, in just 18 months.

The company was found guilty of contravening two inspection notices as well as health and safety regulations.

Arrow Tools Ltd was fined a total of £24,000 and ordered to pay £3,000 court costs.