Livestock auctioneers fined after man killed by cow

Livestock auctioneers fined after man killed by cow

A company has been fined after a 75-year-old man was killed by a cow that had escaped from a livestock market in Wales.

Father-of-two was knocked down and trampled by a cow being auctioned at a livestock market. The cow managed to escape before heading towards Whitland, Carmarthenshire.

Mr Evans, who also lived in Whitland, had been crossing a junction when attacked by the cow. He suffered multiple injuries and flown to the University Hospital of Wales where he died six days later.

A worker at J.J. Morris Limited was injured in an unsuccessful attempt to capture the cow, which later ran towards Whitland. As a result, the cow was captured and put down by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation-auctioneers fined

An investigation found J.J. Morris Limited,  operating Whitland Livestock Market for over 30 years, failed to implement basic, physical control measures to prevent cattle from escaping. Additionally, the company’s risk assessment was not suitable nor sufficient as it referenced control measures that were not present at the market.

Tip for information on managing risks and Risk assessment at work : https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/steps-needed-to-manage-risk.htm

Mr Evans’ son, said in his victim personal statement: “Dad was my best friend and I miss him terribly, he was taken from us too soon. Losing Dad has had a tremendous effect on both myself and my brother. Because of this incident Dad’s grandsons will never fully know him personally and he will not see them grow up.”

J.J. Morris Limited is fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £5,047.55 in costs at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on 20 June 2024.

Tragic incident of man killed was foreseeable and preventable

HSE inspector said: “This tragic incident was foreseeable and preventable. The risk posed by cattle escaping from the livestock mart should have been identified, and effective control measures implemented. The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance, which is readily accessible and outlines the requirements to safely manage cattle.”

Safety Aide can assist your business regarding Health and Safety, including Risk Assessments,  please get in touch on 08000 806 801or email: info@safetyaide.com