A Worcester-based waste and recycling company has been fined £160,000 after a worker sustained severe crush injuries when a loading shovel bucket fell on him.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Blackpole Recycling Limited following the incident at its Blackpole Trading Estate West site in Worcester.
The worker, Andrew Taylor, a father of two, was repairing a hydraulic leak when the bucket dropped onto him. He was airlifted to hospital and required three operations. His injuries included multiple fractures to his ribs, leg, and foot, as well as a shattered pelvis.
Mr Taylor said: “I remember being in the emergency room with 15 doctors and nurses, and my wife. The nurse told me not to worry but I was worried about the here and now. Prior to the accident I used to go to the gym and go running, but since the accident I can’t even get up the stairs.”
HSE’s investigation found the company had failed to carry out a risk assessment for the maintenance task and had no safe system of work in place. Adequate information, instruction, and training were also lacking.
The firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £160,000, plus costs of £7,049 and a victim surcharge of £2,000, at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 September 2025.
HSE Inspector Charlie Rowe said: “This incident could and should have been prevented. Had a safe system of work been in place, Mr Taylor would not have sustained these serious, life-changing injuries. The absence of an appropriate risk assessment, method statement, training, and supervision created a scenario where someone could easily have been killed.”
The case was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds and paralegal officer Jason Dix.
What it means for HSE Managers
This prosecution underlines the crucial role of risk assessments and safe systems of work. For HSE managers, it highlights the need to:
-
Ensure method statements and risk assessments are completed for all maintenance tasks.
-
Provide structured training and supervision for high-risk activities.
-
Recognise that even routine maintenance can carry serious risks without safeguards.
-
Review existing procedures to prevent similar avoidable incidents.
