Interference with safety equipment

Summary

A farming company was prosecuted following a fatal accident to a farm employee. The employee was trapped between the bucket lift arm and body of a skid steer loader that was being used to clean out a poultry shed. The protective cage, seat bar and seat interlock switches had all been removed. No safe system of work and interference with safety equipment. As is now normal in such fatalities, there was a joint investigation by HSE and the Police.

Action

The farmer pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge brought by the Crown Prosecution Service and was sentenced to 12 months in jail.