Three Farmers Fined Following Health and Safety Breach
Three brothers have been prosecuted after a farm worker suffered serious injuries following an accident involving a tractor. Colin Jenkin, 55, was run over by the vehicle when attempting to open a gate. Mr Jenkin had been spreading manure on the local field.
FH Benney and Sons have been fined £7,500 and told to pay costs amounting to £9,000 after being prosecuted by Health and Safety Executive, the authority governing the oversight of health and safety at work. The incident took place during September last year at the brother’s farm near Helston.
Mr Jenkin injured his back, broke seven ribs, and suffered permanent damage to his eye socket though he was able to call for help with the use of a mobile. The victim has failed to make a full recovery since the accident and is still unable to return to work.
“This incident could very easily have resulted in Mr Jenkin’s death. He is still suffering with back pain and loss of vision. In addition to this, he does not yet know when he will be able to return to work. His life has been changed significantly as a result. Farmers must ensure equipment used on their farms is properly maintained and serviced to avoid future incidents like this,” HSE Inspector Gareth Cotte revealed.
A HSE investigation found that a faulty handbrake had led to the accident. FH Benney and Sons pleaded guilty to breaching the 1998 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and Derek, Richard, and Roger Benney were subsequently fined £2,000, £3,500 and £2,000 respectively.
