Fire Protection Recycling, headquartered in Oldbury, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £17,034.25 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 September 2026.
Craig Pearson, 37, from Dudley, was working for the company at its Oldbury site when the incident occurred on 7 March 2023.
Pearson, a father-of-four, was processing powder fire extinguishers which had reached the end of their serviceable life.
While working on a cartridge-type fire extinguisher, there was a sudden release of pressure and the extinguisher exploded, striking Pearson in the head.
Following the incident, the extinguisher was found embedded in the ceiling of the workroom.
Craig was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he sadly died from his injuries the following day, on 8 March.
He leaves behind his fiancée Rachelle, siblings John and Cheryl, and his four children.
Rachelle described Craig as a “thoughtful and kind” person.
She said: “Craig was bubbly, Mr funny and adventurous.
“There was never a day where we didn’t laugh. He was thoughtful, kind and always thought about my needs and was helpful to others.
“I often sit and wonder what life would be like if Craig was here now. Would we be married? What would we be doing together?
“I take each day as it comes. I try my best to keep life as normal as possible and do my best to ensure my children are happy.”
HSE investigation
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Fire Protection Recycling had failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees while they were recycling the fire extinguishers.
The HSE said employers must provide plant and systems of work which are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.
HSE inspector Heather Campbell said: “Our thoughts today are with the family of Craig Pearson, a young dad of four.
“He should have returned home safely to his family at the end of his working day but because of the failings of Fire Protection Recycling Limited, he did not.
“I hope the sentence handed down leaves companies in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action against those that fail to protect their employees.”
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