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Firm fined after driver loses arm
Page 18
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A SCOTTISH operator has been fined £12,000 for a breach of the health and safety regulations after one of its drivers had to have his arm amputated after injuring it while cleaning a trailer.
William Thomson lost one arm and had surgery to save the other after his overalls became trapped in the conveyor belt mechanism of the trailer at Angus Horticulture's premises in Guthrie on 17 December 2002.
Brechin-based R&N Cressford pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching health and safety regulations at Arborath Sheriffs Court. These included charges of failing to maintain and guard the conveyor belt system and failing to provide a safe system of cleaning.
For the prosecution Jennifer Bairner told the court that the cleaning practice Thomson used had been picked up from hi colleagues. There was no form of training or written any instruction for employees on safe cleanfrig procedures.
Defence lawyer Chris Steac said that R&N Cressford had cc previous convictions; the firm hac bought the trailer from a reputable source. It had now taken steps tc ensure that mechanisms were guarded properly.
Sheriff Norrie Stein told the court that it would be of no comfort to Thomson to know that, a proper assessment had beer carried out on the danger of the conveyor belt, and if appropriate action had been taken to preveni it, this incident would not have happened. R&N Cressforc declined to comment.