Family-run wood recycling company fined following death of director
A family-run wood recycling company has been fined following the death of an employee who was struck by a JCB wheel loader.
On April 29, 2019, father-of-one Thomas Brooke was crossing the yard at John Brooke (Timber Treatments) in Nottingham when a JCB wheel loader with its bucket raised moved forward and collided with him.
Brooke was working for the business as a director when he faced these injuries.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that John Brooke (Timber Treatments) had failed to adequately organise its workplace to ensure pedestrian safety.
There were no control measures, such as physical barriers, to prevent pedestrians from accessing areas where machinery like loading shovels, lorries, forklift trucks, and 360 grabs operated.
The company had not properly assessed the risks associated with operating machinery with limited visibility or adequately trained and monitored its employees.
On August 20, 2024, John Brooke (Timber Treatments), located on Fosse Way, Widmerpool, 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.
The company was fined £22,500 and ordered to pay costs of £44,227.28.
Speaking after the sentencing, 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. “
