Andrew Fraser, employed by Gemini Corrosion Services, became stuck to the pipe inside the aluminum coating machine on 17 September 2014.
The company, which provides protective corrosion services for drill pipes used in the oil and gas industry, treats the surfaces of the pipes before they are sprayed with molten aluminium as they rotate.
Speaking at Forfar Sheriff Court, fiscal depute Gavin Callaghan said the texture of the pipe that Fraser became caught on was "similar to coarse sandpaper".
He continued: "It would readily attach to fabrics such as the sweatshirt Mr Fraser was wearing under his overalls. It would attach in a similar way to Velcro."
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive established that Gemini Corrosion Services had failed to guard and stop access to the dangerous parts of the machine.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and regulations 11(1) and (2) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, which require employers to provide guards and prevent access to dangerous areas of machinery. It was fined £180,000.
Open-access content
Tuesday 26th July 2016