On 29 April in 2019, Thomas Brooke was reportedly crossing the yard when a JCB wheel loader with its bucket raised moved forward and collided with him.
Brooke was said to be working for the business as a director when he faced these injuries.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that John Brooke (Timber Treatments) had “failed to adequately organise its workplace” to ensure pedestrian safety.
‘No control measures’
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.
HSE said that the company had not properly assessed the risks associated with operating machinery with limited visibility or adequately trained and monitored its employees.
On 20 August 2024, John Brooke (Timber Treatments) 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.
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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