Waste Recycling Company Fined £200,000 for Corporate Manslaughter

This case shows the drastic consequences of failing to properly guard and maintain machinery and failing to adequately train staff on how to operate machinery.

In 2017, Dale McClelland, 23, was working at a facility in Cornwall operated by H&A Recycling Ltd when he became trapped in a baling machine he had been using. Tragically, the entrapment was fatal.

A 3-year investigation into Mr McClelland’s death then took place which was led by Devon and Cornwall Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The investigation found several systematic failings associated with staff safety, training, risk assessments and supervision at the site. Of considerable concern, was how machinery was being used at the site, this included the baling machine which fatally injured Mr McClelland. Following the investigation, H&A Recycling Ltd were charged.

On 4th September, the company pleaded guilty at Truro Crown Court to corporate manslaughter.

On 13th November 2020, the company was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court to pay a £200,000 fine with additional costs of almost £46,000.