Barry Smith

A food company has admitted failures that led to one of its workers being strangled on a machine that makes carrot batons.

Remigiusz Cyrek was choked unconscious after being dragged into the machine and trapped by a giant roller.

Kettle Produce admitted failing to ensure the safety of staff at its Orkie Farm facility near Freuchie, Fife, from August 2017 to June 2018.

The Company , which has a £150m turnover, faces a substantial fine.

Mr Cyrek, a Polish national, had been employed as a hygiene operative with The Company since 21 August 2017.

The 37-year-old was unable to work for six months after The Injury .

Fiscal depute Gail Adair told Dundee Sheriff Court that the conveyor belt and rollers should have been isolated and completely switched off before The Weekly clean.

She said: " This Was a rotating power roller. The hood of his waterproof jacket got caught in the roller, causing it to tighten round his neck and lead to a loss of consciousness.

" The Other hygiene operative found him unconscious under the conveyor, with the hood of his jacket tangled in the roller. Others became aware of that operative screaming at them.

" They ran to the central cabin and switched off The Line . They freed him by manually feeding the roller to free his clothing. "

The Prosecutor told The Court that Mr Cyrek was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital with severe swelling and bruising to his neck. He suffered a loss of feeling in his fingertips.

" He was off work for six months And Then returned to light duties. He continued to have pain in his hand. "

Ms Adair said The Firm failed to have a safe system of work.

Counsel for The Company , Barry Smith , said Kettle Produce " very sincerely regret this accident occurred" and that Mr Cyrek was a " valued employee".

He Said The Company , which was founded in 1976 and has 1,100 staff, was a market leader in the prepared vegetable sector and was a " large company" in terms of turnover.

He added: " There was a system, and had it been followed properly, it would have ensured safety.

" Clear instruction was not universally understood and followed. It is accepted The Company fell short of the required standard. "

He urged The Court to take Covid-affected losses of over £4m over The Last two financial years into account when deciding the scale of the fine to impose.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown deferred sentence for consideration of The Level of fine to impose and said: " I think the injured person in this case has been very fortunate. "

Source of news: bbc.com