Pork processor fined £28k for safety failings

The abattoir, which was trading as AP Jess (Brechin) at the time, pleaded guilty to health and safety failings at Forfar Sheriff Court.

The firm, which processes and distributes meat for retail catering and wholesale sectors, was fined after an employee suffered severe injuries to the fingers of his left hand when they came into contact with a band saw.

Exposed saw blade ​

The court heard the employee was using a band saw which formed part of the machinery for cutting pig carcasses, in May 2013.  

The band saw, which had an exposed blade, was being used as a replacement for the usual saw which was inoperative, the court was told.

The replacement band saw was not fitted to a conveyor to carry the sections of cut meat away from the blade and towards the employee. This meant that the employee’s hands were close to the exposed cutting blade.

While moving the meat the employee’s fingers were struck by the band saw.

£2.7M expansion ​

Meanwhile, Quality Pork Processors expects to complete work on its £2.7M expansion​ at its Brechin site by the end of the year.

Funded by the Scottish government, the expansion is part of its plan to boost the nation’s pig herd.

The investment created 20 new jobs and safeguarded a further 42 at the site. All the pork processed at the abattoir is bought by Tulip.