A wood recycling company has been fined after an employee was killed when he was struck by a JCB wheel loader.
Thomas Brooke was walking across the yard at John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited in Nottingham when a JCB wheel loader, operating in the yard with its bucket raised, collided with him on 29 April 2019. He died from his injuries.
Thomas with his family. Credit: HSE.
Thomas was working for the family company at the time of the incident.
His son Rupert, was aged four at the time and his wife, Jessica described Thomas as a kind and caring person who was dedicated to his family.
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 Rupert and I have been forever changed.
“We were partners in crime, soulmates and best friends and together took on whatever challenges life threw in our direction.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited did not properly organise its 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 had also 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, John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited 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 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. “
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