Craig Pearson, 37, a father-of-four from Dudley, was working for Fire Protection Recycling Limited, at its site in Oldbury when the incident happened on 7th March 2023. He had been processing powder fire extinguishers which were at the end of their serviceable life. 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, on 8th March 2023. 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 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 their systems of work for processing these types of fire extinguishers were not suitable. They 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.
Fire Protection Recycling Limited, of 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.
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 sentence handed down leaves companies in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action against those that fail to protect their employees.”
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