A farming company has been fined £80,000 following the fatal explosion of a poorly maintained tractor tyre that killed a young farmhand, Joshua Hardman. The HSE investigation revealed that the company failed to adequately assess the risks and implement necessary control measures.
A farming company has been fined £80,000 following the tragic death of a young farmhand. Joshua Hardman, 23, died from traumatic head injuries after a poorly maintained tractor tyre exploded at Grange Lane farm in Hutton, near Preston, owned and operated by W. Hesketh and Sons. The incident occurred on May 7, 2021, when Joshua was assisting one of the partners, Bill Hesketh, in re-seating and inflating the faulty tyre.
During the process, the tyre exploded, catastrophically releasing compressed air that propelled the wheel rim into Joshua, causing fatal injuries. Joshua was rushed to the hospital and underwent extensive skull and brain surgeries, but unfortunately, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away on June 11, 2021. Following the tragic incident, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the risk of an explosion was significantly higher due to the poor maintenance of the tyre, wheel rim, and inner tube. The company, W. Hesketh and Sons, failed to adequately assess the risks associated with inflating large commercial tyres and implement necessary control measures. This negligence led to the tragic loss of Joshua's life.In court, the company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety At Work Act. The panel at Preston Magistrates Court heard that the company had not carried out a proper risk assessment to determine if the damaged tyre, inner tube, and wheel rim were safe to inflate. In a heartbreaking statement read to the court, Joshua's family described him as a loving, caring, and kind person with a 'heart of gold'. They emphasized that he was an amazing father who would be deeply missed, particularly by his five-year-old daughter who would now grow up without his love and guidance. Alongside the £80,000 fine, W. Hesketh and Sons were ordered to pay £8,605 in costs. HSE Inspector Anthony Banks stressed the importance of employers implementing proper risk assessments and controls before inflating large commercial tyres to prevent similar tragedies.
FARMING ACCIDENT FATALITY HEALTH AND SAFETY TYRE EXPLOSION INVESTIGATION FINE HSE COMPANY LIABILITY
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