Latest from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):
A global manufacturing company, Systagenix Wound Management Manufacturing Limited t/a Scapa Healthcare Limited, has been fined £600,000 following a fatal incident at its Gargrave, Craven premises on 21st September 2020.
An employee aged 56, died after being trapped under a heavy, double stacked pallet weighing 592kg that fell onto him. This tragic accident led to an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive, resulting in the hefty fine.
Major Safety Failings Identified
A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed major failings by the company, including:
- Inadequate Risk Assessment: The company failed to conduct a suitable risk assessment regarding the load, height, weight, and stability of the unusual, three legged pallets.
- Improper Storage: The ‘Nelipak’ pallets were improperly stored by being double stacked at floor level when the investigation concluded they should never have been stacked vertically.
- Insufficient Training: Employees in the storage area were not adequately trained on the company’s “Procedure for Pallet Handling Policy.” This is clear evidence that there was a lack of process and care ahead of training employees.
Outcome and Warning
Systagenix pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were fined £600,000 and ordered to pay £15,000 in costs at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 12 November 2025.
HSE Inspector Kirsty Storer-Cottrell emphasised that the incident was easily preventable, stating that proper training, monitoring, supervision, and risk control measures would have averted the fatality.
You can find further information on pallet safety in HSE’s Guidance ‘PM15 Pallet Safety’ on the HSE website.
You can keep an eye on any further news here on HSE Network.
