Ginsters’ parent company, Samworth Brothers, has been fined £1.28 million following a tragic workplace accident that claimed the life of a worker at The Cornwall Bakery in Callington. Paul Clarke, a 40-year-old employee, was crushed to death when a lorry, reversing into a loading bay, struck him on his first lone shift. The tragic workplace incident occurred on December 2, 2021, highlighting significant safety failings and sparking a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into the circumstances leading to this devastating loss.
The HSE investigation revealed that Samworth Brothers had not adequately assessed the risks posed by strip curtains temporarily installed to replace a faulty roller door. Without a safe protocol for managing these curtains, employees had developed their own ad-hoc methods, including standing dangerously behind reversing vehicles to move the barriers. This lack of a structured system to manage hazards contributed to the conditions that led to Mr. Clarke’s untimely death.
Tragic Oversights in Health and Safety Measures
According to the HSE report, the strip curtains created visibility issues for drivers, posing a high risk to personnel working around the loading area. The failure to implement a clear, health and safety process for removing the curtains left employees vulnerable, with staff members feeling the need to position themselves perilously close to moving lorries to manage this equipment.
Adding to the problem, Samworth Brothers had not provided workers with proper training or instruction on how to handle the new safety challenges that arose from the strip curtains’ use. The reliance on untrained staff and the absence of clear guidance placed Paul Clarke in a vulnerable position, with no safe method to follow during his shift.
A representative for Samworth Brothers issued a statement following the fine, expressing remorse and acknowledging the need for more robust awareness for the prevention of workplace injuries and health and safety protocols at their facilities:
“We were deeply shocked and saddened by the vehicle-related workplace accident at our Cornwall Bakery site in December 2021 that resulted in the death of Paul Clarke. The Cornwall Bakery is a strong community of friends and colleagues. Paul was such a positive influence on everyone that knew him and a much-loved and respected member of our team.”
The spokesperson added that since the tragedy, Samworth Brothers has taken extensive measures to improve their health and safety systems, stressing that health and safety are the company’s “highest priority.” Following the accident, the company conducted a thorough internal review to identify gaps in safety procedures, implementing immediate changes to prevent future incidents.
Health and Safety Compliance in the Spotlight
The penalty issued by the court is intended to reflect the seriousness of the safety oversights that contributed to this tragic event. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive health and safety measures and adherence to regulations to protect workers, particularly in environments with high-risk machinery and vehicle operations. With the increased attention on workplace safety, the fine also underscores the consequences companies can face if they neglect established safety protocols and fail to provide adequate training.
The findings from this case reveal that workplace safety is a fundamental responsibility for all businesses. Employers are expected to anticipate potential hazards, implement rigorous safety procedures, and ensure that employees are adequately trained. The fine imposed on Samworth Brothers should act as a catalyst for industries to prioritize the welfare of their employees and address any lapses in health and safety proactively.
The Workers Union Says…
“In light of this incident, The Workers Union emphasizes the critical need for stringent health and safety standards and proper training across all sectors, especially in high-risk work environments. Employers must foster a safety culture, investing in regular safety audits, and ensuring every employee is thoroughly trained. By placing the safety and well-being of employees at the forefront, companies not only comply with legal standards but also contribute to a healthier, more secure workplace culture, this tragic accident should serve as a powerful reminder to all employers to maintain unwavering diligence in workplace safety measures to prevent further loss of life.”
