A wood recycling company has been fined after an employee was killed when he was struck by a wheel loader.
On 29 April 2019, the employee was walking across the yard at his workplace in Nottingham. A wheel loader, with its bucket raised, was operating in the yard along with other vehicles, but as the shovel moved forward, it collided with the employee who died from his injuries.
Tragically, the employee was working for the family company. At the time of the incident, his son was aged four. His wife described the individual as a kind and caring person who was dedicated to his family and was loved by everyone who knew him.
In a statement, she said: “Our hearts are broken. The pain and suffering of his loss has been immense, and no words can describe the impact that his loss has had; both my and my son’s life’s have changed forever.”
Describing the relationship he had with his son, who is now nine, she said: “From the moment that their son was born, his father was a natural father and had a very special bond. He was a brilliant role model to his son in every respect; he was the son’s favorite person in the whole world and couldn’t have wished for a better father.”
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company did not properly organise the workplace to keep pedestrians safe. There were no control measures, such as physical barriers, to prevent pedestrians accessing areas where loading shovels, lorries, forklift trucks and 360 grabs operated. It failed to properly assess the risks from operating machinery with reduced visibility and did not properly train, instruct and monitor employees.
On 20 August 2024, the company, based in Nottingham pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 17(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Nottingham Crown Court. They were fined £22,500 and agreed to pay costs of £44,227.28.
Speaking after the sentencing, HSE inspector said: “This has been a very difficult case for all concerned. However, those in control of work have a responsibility to implement safe methods of working. Had simple measures been taken, this tragedy could have been prevented.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer and supported by HSE paralegal officer.
Source: HSE
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