A FIREFIGHTER who responded to the Stockline Plastics disaster and Glasgow Airport terror attack has been awarded £1.5 million after a training accident cost him his hand.
Ian McDonald attended the 2004 Glasgow factory explosion, which killed nine people and injured 33, in his first week on the job, and was amongst those called to the airport incident three years later.
But the 37-year-old was seriously injured during a training exercise in 2014, when his hand was punctured by faulty cutting gear.
Unseen punctures in a “jaws of life” hose caused a fine jet of hydraulic fluid to pierce his safety gloves. He needed 40 operations after the toxic liquid destroyed tissue in his right hand but after a four-year battle medics were forced to amputate his hand.
The 2018 surgery followed the earlier removal of digits as the father-of-four developed serious pain.
One year later, the Bishopbriggs man has accepted a £1.5m payout from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
An investigation by Digby Brown Solicitors found there was an inadequate system of inspection and maintenance for equipment and protective hose coverings, which would have prevented the injury were not used.
David Nellaney, who secured the seven-figure sum, said: “The SFRS is undoubtedly a safety-conscious organisation that provides an invaluable service but on this occasion it failed in its duty of care to an employee.
“Ian has shown courage throughout his recovery but he and his family suffered physically, emotionally and financially through no fault of their own. No settlement can alter the past, but it can improve the future and in Ian’s case, it will provide access to ongoing medical treatment and ease the financial implications of this workplace injury.”
McDonald pursued the payout in order to secure a specialist prosthetic to allow him to regain his independence.
He was initially offered a “hook” device by the NHS and said: “I understand the NHS can’t afford fancy prosthetics but the hook has limited uses while my new arm restores more normality to my life.
“I can hold mugs, phones, change my daughter’s nappy and after adapting my steering wheel the DVLA confirmed I could still drive.
“I’ve still a way to go but after the support of my family, the doctors and colleagues I finally feel like the dark days are behind me.”
The former joiner is now learning to write and thanks wife Claire for the support he’s needed during his long recovery from the injury. The couple share children Ava, 11, Lucas, seven, Noah, three and eight-month-old Thea. He said: “I was injured but it’s really Claire the accident happened to – she basically raises four kids, runs a household, manages her business and helps me. My recovery and our children’s smiles would be impossible without her.”
David McGown, SFRS deputy chief officer, commented: “This was a life changing incident for Mr McDonald, however it is extremely heartening to see that he continues to make a strong recovery.
“We are also pleased that we were able to work together to reach an agreement which ensures his access to medical treatment, and quality of life improvements.
“We undertook a review of equipment and related safety checks and have taken appropriate steps to minimise the risk of similar incidents happening in the future.”
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