Companies fined after father crushed to death by machine
Two companies are fined after a father-of-three is crushed to death by a machine.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation finds the incident entirely avoidable. Russell Hartley would still be alive had this work been planned, managed and monitored to a sufficient standard.
Mr Hartley, a self-employed engineer from Sheffield, hired to replace machinery at a materials recycling facility in London.
Russell Hartley beloved father – Crushed
The 48-year-old led a group of four engineers tasked with replacing a Trisomat screen, known colloquially as a ‘flip-flop’, on 24 February 2020, when the incident occurred.
The flip-flop, a machine that sorts different sizes of waste, fixed within a metal structure at height in a bay at the site.
The crane, first used to lower the flip-flop from its position at the site.
Mr Hartley, also grandfather of three, takes over using a telehandler. With the flip-flop resting on the telehandler’s forks, the machine, begins to go further down the bay.
The flip-flop becomes jammed in the bay and Mr Hartley attempts to reverse the telehandler.
The crane, used again to lift the flip-flop off the telehandler, but unknown to the workers, its forks slightly raised above ground level.
Mr Hartley is, as a result, crushed to death by a Trisomat screen.
As the crane moved towards the telehandler, the flip-flop topples forwards off the forks crushing Mr Hartley. Another worker, standing on the flip-flop at the time, is also thrown off the machine but escapes serious injury.
An investigation finds two contractors, fail to ensure the safety of those involved. The work of replacing the Trisomat screen was not properly planned, supervised or carried out safely. As a result, the assessment of risks was both unsuitable and insufficient. Mr Hartley was working with nine other engineers, also hired by Premier Engineering Projects, as well as three workers from M&M Mobile Crane Hire Ltd.
Family, keeping his dream alive
Mr Hartley’s wife, Debbie, says in her victim personal statement: “Russell was everything to us. He’s funny and one of the nicest guys you’d ever meet. Nothing is ever too much. If it needed doing, he got it done. He’s a fantastic father and husband.
“I feel like sometimes I’m waiting for him to come home. I can’t accept he has gone as I couldn’t say goodbye. Nothing prepared me for that moment. I thought he would be here and live on forever.
“All he ever wanted is to keep his family happy and looked after and I will try to keep that dream alive.”
Death of Father, avoidable Incident
One company was fined £28,000 and ordered to pay £9,277.48 in costs at the Old Bailey on 1 August 2024.
The other company, also pleading guilty, is fined £48,000 and ordered to pay £9,500 in costs at the Old Bailey on 1 August 2024.
HSE inspector, investigating this incident says: “Had this work been planned, managed and monitored to a sufficient standard, this incident was entirely avoidable. Mr Hartley’s family would still have him in their lives. Risks arising from lifting and moving of equipment of this size and nature are entirely foreseeable. Therefore, work of this nature should be afforded the utmost respect and care.
Tip: For information on lifting Operations and lifting equipment see: https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm
Safety Aide can assist your business regarding Health anhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/food/falls.htmd Safety, including Risk Assessments, please get in touch on 08000 806 801or info@safetyaide.com
