Family-run recycling firm fined after employee killed by wheel loader

Thomas Brooke was working for his family’s business, John Brooke (Timber Treatments), on 29 April 2019 when a wheel loader with its bucket raised collided with him in the yard. He died from his injuries.

Thomas Brooke was working for family-run firm John Brooke (Timber Treatments) when he was struck by a wheel loader and killed in April 2019. Photograph: HSE

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the family-run firm had not properly organised its workplace to keep pedestrians safe.

“There were no control measures, such as physical barriers, to prevent pedestrians accessing areas where loading shovels, lorries, forklift trucks and 360 grabs operated,” said HSE, adding that the company had “failed to properly assess the risks from operating machinery with reduced visibility, and did not properly train, instruct and monitor employees.”

Tom Brooke was a father of one. His son was four years old at the time of the incident. His wife, Jessica Brooke, said: “Our hearts are broken. The pain and suffering of his loss has been immense, and no words can describe the impact that his loss has had.”

John Brooke (Timber Treatments) pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court on 20 August 2024 to breaching regulation 17(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and section 33(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £22,500 and ordered to pay costs of £44,227.28.

HSE inspector Lindsay Bentley said after the sentencing: “This has been a very difficult sentencing 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.”