Black Country recycling company fined after 'thoughtful and kind' father-of-four killed in accident at work

A waste and recycling company has been fined after a “thoughtful and kind” father-of-four was killed while processing a fire extinguisher.

Craig Pearson, who was 37 and from Dudley, was working for Fire Protection Recycling Limited at its site in Oldbury when the incident happened on March 7 of 2023.

He had been processing powder fire extinguishers which were at the end of their serviceable lives.

While working on a cartridge-type fire extinguisher, it had a sudden release of pressure and exploded, striking him in the head. After the incident the fire extinguisher was found embedded in the ceiling of the workroom.

Craig was treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for his injuries, but despite the efforts of medical staff, sadly died the next day.

He leaves behind his fiancée Rachelle, siblings John and Cheryl, and his four children.

Craig’s fiancée Rachelle said: “Craig was bubbly, Mr Funny and adventurous.

“There was never a day where we didn’t laugh. He was thoughtful, kind and always thought about my needs and was helpful to others.

“I often sit and wonder what life would be like if Craig was here now. Would we be married? What would we be doing together?

“I take each day as it comes. I try my best to keep life as normal as possible and do my best to ensure my children are happy.”

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Fire Protection Recycling Limited failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees while at work and while they were recycling these types of fire extinguishers.

The company had failed to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, and its systems of work for processing these types of fire extinguishers were not suitable.

It did not have proper storage arrangements for old extinguishers waiting for processing, and there wasn’t a suitable restraint system for containing fire extinguishers when they were being discharged, to prevent them ejecting dangerous parts.

The HSE states employers must provide plant and systems of work which are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.

HSE inspector Heather Campbell said: “Our thoughts today are with the family of Craig Pearson, a young dad of four.

“He should have returned home safely to his family at the end of his working day but because of the failings of Fire Protection Recycling Limited, he did not.

“I hope the verdict handed down leaves companies in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action against those that fail to protect their employees.”

Fire Protection Recycling Limited, of Pearsall Drive, Oldbury, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £17,034.25 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday (September 14).

The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas.