Remigiusz Cyrek, a 37-year-old Polish national, was dragged into the machine while cleaning it, as it was still running. The incident occurred at the company's Orkie Farm facility in Freuchie, Fife, between August 2017 and June 2018.
Cyrek suffered severe neck injuries and was unable to work for six months. The court heard that the company failed to ensure the machinery was shut down during cleaning, resulting in the accident. Kettle Produce, a company with a £150m turnover and 1,100 staff, faces a substantial fine for this safety lapse.
The company's counsel expressed regret and acknowledged that safety instructions were not effectively communicated and followed. The court is considering the scale of the fine, taking into account the company's recent financial losses. The sentence has been deferred for this assessment.