Sterecycle to be charged over worker death

Failed autoclave specialist Sterecycle is set to be charged with corporate manslaughter following the conclusion of an investigation into the death of a worker at its Rotherham waste treatment facility.

The company which is currently in liquidation, ceased operations at its Sheffield Road plant in October 2012 and will be charged over an explosion which is alleged to have lead to the death of employee Michael Whinfrey in January 2011.

Charges have also been brought against the companys maintenance manager Kevin Goss, operations manager Steven Weaver and operations director Paul Greenwell under the Health and Safety at Work Act, as well as a further charge of perverting the course of justice for Mr Goss. Mr Greenwell is now the business director for AmeyCespa, which he joined in 2012.

The Crown Prosecution Service announced yesterday (October 1) that the charges will be heard at a hearing at Rotherham Magistrates Court on October 14. It follows a lengthy investigation by South Yorkshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive into the incident.

Mr Whinfrey died as a result of injuries suffered in an industrial explosion at the companys 100,000 tonnes-a-year capacity waste processing plant on January 11, which it was claimed had been caused by a sudden loss of pressure in vessels used in the treatment process.

Another operator was seriously injured as a result of the explosion at the plant in Templeborough. The autoclave was one of two large vessels at the site that used steam and pressure to break down the organic content of household waste derived from Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham councils.

Charges

Jane Wragg, specialist prosecutor in the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: I have carefully reviewed the evidence gathered by South Yorkshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive during their investigation into the tragic death of Michael Whinfrey. I have concluded that Sterecycle (Rotherham) Limited should be charged with an offence of corporate manslaughter.

I have also authorised charges under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act against Kevin Goss (maintenance manager), Steven Weaver (operations manager) and Paul Greenwell (operations director) and a further charge of perverting the course of justice against Kevin Goss.

The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.