Story Highlight
– Blackpole Recycling fined £160,000 for safety violations.
– Maintenance worker injured by falling loading shovel bucket.
– Worker suffered serious crush injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
– Investigation revealed lack of risk assessment and training.
– HSE emphasized prevention could have avoided serious injuries.
Full Story
A waste and recycling firm based in Worcester has been penalised with a fine of £160,000 after a serious incident resulted in a maintenance worker being injured by a falling bucket from a loading shovel.
Blackpole Recycling Limited faced prosecution from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the event at their premises located on Blackpole Trading Estate West. The incident involved Mr Andrew Taylor, a Worcester resident and father of two, who was performing repairs on a hydraulic leak when the machinery’s bucket unexpectedly collapsed onto him. He was subsequently airlifted to hospital, requiring three surgeries to treat multiple severe injuries, including broken ribs, leg, foot, and a pelvis that was fractured into three pieces.
Mr Taylor recounted his experience, stating, “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.”
An investigation by the HSE revealed that Blackpole Recycling Limited had neglected to perform a risk assessment pertaining to the maintenance work and had not established a safe working procedure. Furthermore, the company failed to properly inform, instruct, and train Mr Taylor regarding the tasks he was performing.
At a court hearing on 30 September 2025 at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court, Blackpole Recycling Limited, located at Thorneloe House, 25 Barbourne Road, Worcester, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. In addition to the fine, they were also ordered to pay £7,049 in legal costs and a victims surcharge of £2,000.
HSE Inspector Charlie Rowe, who oversaw the investigation, commented on the case, stating, “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 for this maintenance task created a scenario where someone could easily have been killed. Employers must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety of their employees. Where they fail to do so, HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.”
The prosecution was instigated by HSE enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds and paralegal officer Jason Dix.
The HSE serves as the United Kingdom’s principal authority on workplace health and safety, committed to safeguarding individuals and promoting safer, healthier environments. More information on legislation involved in this case is accessible, alongside the latest HSE news releases. It should be noted that HSE does not impose sentences or collect fines; these actions are determined by the courts in accordance with sentencing guidelines, unless deemed otherwise for the interests of justice.
This is a stark reminder that basic safety measures must never be overlooked. Proper risk assessments, safe systems of work and thorough training are not optional extras they are essential to prevent life changing injuries. Employers must ensure equipment is made safe for maintenance and that workers are competent and supervised. The fine and the human cost here should prompt a review of procedures across the industry so that nothing like this happens again.
This is a stark reminder that basic safety steps are not optional. Proper risk assessments, clear procedures and adequate training protect workers and prevent life changing injuries. Employers must prioritise maintenance safety, ensure competent supervision and learn from incidents like this so it never happens again.