A RECYCLING company has been fined £24,000 after a horror accident where a Dunfermline dad had four fingers chopped off.
Barry Pae suffered the terrifying amputations while working on a high-velocity saw blade that activated without warning.
The 43-year-old needed multiple surgeries to his left hand and has been left unable to work or lead a normal life.
At Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday (Thursday), metal merchants William Russell & Sons Ltd admitted health and safety failings that led to his severe injury and permanent impairment.
But Barry - whose medical treatment is still ongoing - said no fine could reflect the pain he has endured and the agonising changes to his future.
He said: “There’s no two ways about it, this injury changed my life.”
WARNING: Graphic images below
The accident happened in April 2021.
He was tasked with changing the cutting blade on a copper granulator - a machine that strips the plastic coating from electrical wires.
But as Barry carried out the task the device started up without warning.
The blades spun at high speed and instantly severed all four fingers from his left hand.
Recalling the horror, Barry said: “I knew straight away things were bad.
“Pretty much as soon as it all started up I saw my fingers just lying there in the machine.
“It was hard to comprehend. I was just silenced with shock.
“I then managed to shout for help. At first my colleague thought I was joking when I said I lost my fingers but when I showed him my hand he went white.”
Barry was helped by quick-thinking work pals who put a tourniquet on his upper arm and retrieved his fingers from the machine.
The labourer was taken by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where his wounds were treated.
Sadly, medics could not reattach his fingers and only treat the severed wounds, they also had to operate on the wrist which fractured in the incident and attach a metal plate which has resulted in limited mobility.
Barry’s treatment is still ongoing but he is now being helped by Digby Brown Solicitors in the hope of securing enhanced treatment.
The father-of-one added: “I’ve been left unable to work and unable to live a normal independent life, little things like not being able to hold your partner’s hand just add to the devastation.
“No fine on William Russell & Sons would ever be enough as it could never reflect the damage done to me and my family but it is right that it was held accountable for what happened, just personally getting recognition has been important for me.
“I’d like to thank the three work pals who helped me on the day - they know who they are, and the NHS staff for their ongoing support and treatment."
Company bosses for William Russell & Sons Ltd appeared at court.
After lodging a section 76 indictment, where a guilty plea is offered in advance, the Dunfermline firm admitted breaching section two of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations Act 1974 by failing to keep the granulator machine in good working order and failing to provide Barry with training, instructions and supervision.
William Russell & Sons received a £24,000 fine which was reduced from £35,000 due to the early plea.
Passing sentence, Sheriff Krista Johnston said: “Assessing the seriousness of the offence it’s clear there should have been checks on the machine every seven days.
“It’s clear that adequate training and written instructions were not provided.”
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