Lisa Ramos (32) was hit by a reversing forklift truck on 24th March 2006 while working for NYK logistics at its Burton Road factory in Findern, Derby.

The truck knocked Miss Ramos to the floor and ran over her left leg causing multiple fractures.

Miss Ramos, who has one son and worked as a team leader at the company, was taken to hospital where she was forced to have the lower part of her leg amputated.

Miss Ramos has received compensation from the company and is now on incapacity benefit.

She has undergone numerous operations and still receiving treatment.

The company, which distributes goods and parts for Toyota across the UK, admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act 1974 during a hearing at Derby Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Melvin Sandell, prosecuting on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive, told the hearing: "On the day of the accident, Miss Ramos was going about her normal duties and was working between a number of different places.

"She was wearing a high-visibility coat and safety gear when she was struck from behind and knocked to the ground.

"The force of the impact was so serious it resulted in muscles tearing away from her bone. The HSE view this accident as very serious and the decision to prosecute has not been taken lightly."

In mitigation, Mark Diggle told the court bosses at the firm regretted the incident and have since improved safety procedures.

"This company has never been prosecuted before and take their responsibilities very seriously," he said.

"Before the accident the staff were fully trained and the vehicles well maintained and in good condition.

"There were also markings on the factory floor stating where was safe to walk and not walk. Systems were in place but unfortunately they were not properly enforced.

"Since then the company has spent £38,000 improving safety procedures so accidents like this can never happen again."

The firm's bosses will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court on 18th September.