A commercial waste company in Cornwall has been fined £200,000 for corporate manslaughter after the tragic death of an employee at its Redruth plant in 2017, as reported by Devon and Cornwall Police.
In a distressing incident at H&A Recycling Ltd, Dale McClelland, 23, lost his life on November 16, 2017. While operating a baling machine at the Cardrew Industrial Estate in Redruth, McClelland became trapped and died at the scene.
This tragic event triggered a three-year investigation led by Devon and Cornwall Police, in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The outcome was a series of charges against H&A Recycling.
On September 4, 2020, H&A Recycling admitted to corporate manslaughter at Truro Crown Court. Consequently, on November 13, Plymouth Crown Court sentenced the company to a £200,000 fine and additional costs amounting to nearly £46,000.
McClelland’s family described him as a “family man with a heart of gold.” They emphasized the critical importance of maintaining high health and safety standards in all workplaces to prevent such tragedies.
A video released by the police, depicting the interior of H&A Recycling’s Redruth plant, revealed workers recklessly driving vehicles around the factory floor. This footage raised serious concerns about the safety practices within the plant.
Detective Inspector Steve Hambly, who led the investigation, reported numerous systemic failings in staff safety, training, risk assessments, and supervision. The misuse of machinery, particularly the baling machine involved in McClelland’s death, was a significant concern.
Court footage showed staff engaging in playfighting and racing vehicles, further highlighting the chaotic and dangerous environment at the plant.
Following the hearing, HSE Inspector Simon Jones commented, “The guarding standards at the recycling plant were among the worst I have seen in 20 years. Employers must ensure machinery is properly guarded and maintained, and employees are adequately trained to work safely. Had the baler at H&A Recycling Ltd been properly guarded and maintained, this terrible incident would not have occurred.”
In September 2018, Biffa acquired the customers and employees of H&A Recycling, describing the acquisition as complementary to its existing collection business.
