Farmer jailed after three-year-old child killed by vehicle

A farmer is jailed after failing to ensure the health and safety of his three-year-old son.

Albie Speakman lost his life on 16 July 2022 after being run over by a telehandler, being driven by his father Neil Speakman.

A joint investigation by (HSE) and Greater Manchester Police found Mr Speakman failed to ensure Albie was kept safe. The telehandler being driven by Mr Speakman was also in poor condition.

Guidance for Safety of Children

Children should be kept safe from farming work activities by keeping them in a safe area. A farmhouse or a securely fenced play area.

Tip: HSE guidance can be found: here regarding safety of Children.

While Albie was left playing in a small unfenced garden, Mr Speakman, used the telehandler to move woodchip into bags.

The three-year-old wandered onto the farm yard being fatally struck by the telehandler as it was reversing.

HSE inspector said: “This tragedy could easily have been avoided if our guidance was followed.

“Our guidance clearly states children should be kept away from farming activities and work traffic, remaining in a fenced area.

“Farms are workplaces, but often have a farm house within the grounds. This makes the provision of safe areas for children even more important.”

Investigation identifies failure to consider risks involved 

The HSE and Greater Manchester Police investigation identified that Mr Speakman failed to ensure there was a safe segregated area for Albie to play in so that he was kept safe from farm workplace activity. Instead, Albie was allowed to move around the farm yard while vehicles were being driven.

The investigation found Mr Speakman had borrowed the telehandler from a neighbour, and while he had previously used the vehicle, he was not appropriately trained and had not properly considered the risks involved with using it. The telehandler was missing a wing mirror on the passenger’s side, while the wing mirror on the driver’s side was dirty – reducing Mr Speakman’s visibility as he operated the vehicle.

Neil Speakman, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 after being charged by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

He was handed a 12-month prison sentence and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 28 February 2025. Mr Speakman must serve at least six months in prison.

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