A Cornish commercial waste company has been fined £200,000 for manslaughter after the death of an employee in 2017.
H&A Recycling Ltd in Redruth was to blame after a labourer became trapped when operating a bailing machine. The man died at the scene.
After a three-year investigation, the company was charged by Devon and Cornwall Police, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
There were a number of systematic failings relating to staff safety, training, supervision at the plant, and risk assessments. In particular, the way machinery was operated was also a huge concern.
As the accident happened due to a number of bad practices, insurance companies would not pay out for this type of claim. However, it is important to ensure you are covered correctly, otherwise any fines imposed would be much higher and may result in your company having to shut down.