News updates: Recycling company fined following the death of a worker
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Issued: 18 September 2026

 

This ebulletin contains a selection of recent prosecution notices. Visit our website for a full list of HSE press releases.

Latest prosecutions headlines

Recycling company fined following the death of a worker

A company has been fined after a worker sustained fatal injuries when a fire extinguisher exploded. The worker was killed while discharging an old fire extinguisher that had a sudden release of pressure and caused an explosion.

HSE's investigation found:

  • the company had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for processing, handling and discharging fire extinguishers
  • old fire extinguishers waiting to be processed were not safely stored
  • there was no suitable restraint system in place to contain extinguishers during discharge, exposing workers to serious risk


Read more about the incident in our press release: Recycling company fined following the death of a worker.


Companies and individual sentenced after worker dies in trench collapse

Two companies and an individual have been sentenced after a worker was crushed to death when an unsupported trench collapsed at a site. The worker had been replacing a damaged pipe at the bottom of a deep trench when suddenly the walls collapsed. 

A joint investigation by local authorities and HSE found no suitable measures were implemented to prevent a trench collapse.

Read more about the incident in our press release: Companies and individual setenced after worker dies in trench collapse.


Food manufacturer fined £594,000 after 2 workers scalded

A major food manufacturing company has been fined after 2 workers suffered scald injuries when they were replacing a leaking gasket above a boiler. The workers were splashed with hot water which resulted in serious burns.

HSE's investigation found:

  • the company had failed to do a risk assessment 
  • the work was carried out at height without adequate fall prevention measures
  • a lack of adequate supervision and monitoring procedures


Read more about the incident in our press release: Food manufacturer fined £594,000 after two workers scalded.


More headlines

Other recent health and safety prosecutions include:

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