A West Midlands recycling business has been fined after an employee was killed when a fire extinguisher exploded during processing. Craig Pearson, 37, a father of four from Dudley, was working for Fire Protection Recycling Limited at its Oldbury site on 7 March 2023 when a cartridge-type fire extinguisher suddenly released pressure and exploded, striking him in the head. He died the following day in hospital. [press.hse.gov.uk], [fsmatters.com]
Following an investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had failed to carry out a suitable risk assessment and did not have adequate safety systems in place for processing end-of-life fire extinguishers. Investigators also identified shortcomings in storage arrangements and the lack of a suitable restraint system to prevent dangerous parts from being ejected during discharge. [press.hse.gov.uk], [fsmatters.com]
Fire Protection Recycling Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, the company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £17,034.25 in costs. [fsmatters.com], [circularonline.co.uk]
In a tribute, Craig’s fiancée, Rachelle, described him as “bubbly, thoughtful and kind”, saying there was never a day when they did not laugh together. [press.hse.gov.uk], [uk.news.yahoo.com]
