An Angus company has been fined £10,000 for serious safety failings after a worker suffered severe injuries when a tractor wheel fell on him.
Michael Davidson of Arbroath, who was 28 at the time, had to undergo surgery after suffering a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, a broken leg and broken collarbones.
Angus Tyres Ltd, of Hill Place, Arbroath, pleaded guilty before Sheriff Gregor Murray on Tuesday to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Passing sentence at Arbroath Sheriff Court, Sheriff Murray described the accident as “entirely foreseeable” and said it was fortunate that Mr Davidson’s injuries were not fatal.
The court heard that Mr Davidson has since returned to full duties after being off work for seven months following the incident on November 12 2012, at Auchrennie Farm, Carnoustie.
Depute fiscal Gavin Callaghan said the company offered a mobile puncture repair and tyre and wheel fitting service, not only for cars, but tractors and other agricultural vehicles.
The farmer had engaged Angus Tyres to change the wheels on a tractor, which was something the company undertook three or four times a year.
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