Wood recycling company, John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited of Fosse Way, Nottingham has been prosecuted following the tragic death of an employee.
On 29 April 2019, an employee of the company, Mr Thomas Brooke, was walking across the site yard when he was struck by a wheel loader. The wheel loader had its bucket raised and was operating in the yard along with other vehicles, and as the operator of the loader moved the shovel forward it collided with Mr Brooke causing fatal injuries.
An investigation was undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which revealed that the company had failed to properly organise their workplace to keep pedestrians safe. There was no control measures such as any physcial barriers to prevent pedestrian access to areas where vehciles like lorries, loading shovels, forklift trucks and 360 grabs operated.
The company had also failed to properly assess the risks posed by operating machinery with reduced visibility, and consequently had not properly trained, instructed and monitored employees.
HSE inspector Lindsay Bentley 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."
Tom's wife Jessica Brooke released a statement following the tragedy: "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 Rupert (the couple's son) and I have been forever changed."
John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited were prosecuted by the HSE and pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court on 20 August 2024 to breaching the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations SI 1992/3004 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
They were fined £22,500 for the breaches and agreed to pay costs of £44,227.28.
