A Worcester-based waste and recycling company has been fined £160,000 following a serious incident in which a worker sustained catastrophic injuries while carrying out maintenance.
Blackpole Recycling Limited was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a loading shovel bucket fell onto maintenance worker Andrew Taylor at the company’s site on Blackpole Trading Estate West, Worcester.
Mr Taylor, a father of two, had been fixing a hydraulic leak when the vehicle’s bucket came down on him. He was airlifted to hospital and required three operations to treat multiple crush injuries, including rib and leg fractures, a shattered pelvis, and severe foot injuries.
Recalling the incident, Mr Taylor said:
“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 at work I used to go to the gym and go running, but since the accident I can’t even get up the stairs.”
HSE findings
The HSE’s investigation revealed that Blackpole Recycling Limited had not carried out a risk assessment at work for the maintenance task and had failed to establish a safe system of work. Furthermore, the company did not provide sufficient information, instruction, or training to Mr Taylor before asking him to carry out the repair.
At Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 September 2025, Blackpole Recycling Limited, of Thorneloe House, Barbourne Road, Worcester, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The court fined the company £160,000, with additional costs of £7,049 and a victims surcharge of £2,000.
HSE statement
HSE Inspector Charlie Rowe said:
“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 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 brought forward by HSE enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds and paralegal officer Jason Dix.
What this means for UK workers
For working people across the UK, this case underlines the critical importance of health and safety standards in the workplace. Safe systems of work, clear instructions, and appropriate training are not optional extras — they are legal and moral obligations for employers.
The Workers Union continues to put UK workers at the heart of everything we do, highlighting the importance of stronger protections, compliance with workplace safety laws, and the urgent need for employers to take responsibility for creating safe working conditions.
