A beleaguered Lincoln dairy firm has been fined GBP10,000 (USD16,000) after an employee sustained multiple leg injuries in an accident. But the company's financial collapse means the fine is unlikely to be paid.

The Lincolnshire Echo reports that the bosses of the firm which owns Boultham Park Dairy were ordered to pay the maximum fine allowed by law in a hearing at Lincoln Magistrates Court.

The Cheshire-based business, Dairy Farmers of Britain, is already in administration - and the fine will add to the financial woes facing the firm.

Magistrates heard that the driver of a pallet truck was injured in a collision with a forklift truck at the Lincoln dairy, according to the paper.

The accident occurred on June 18 last year and the injured man, John Reader, suffered multiple fractures to his lower right leg.

HSE bosses hope that the fine and order to pay legal costs will send out a message that firms using vehicles in the workplace need to do so safely.