Chloe Bidwell, a joiner apprentice employed by Varcity Living Limited, was working alone at a residential property on Deiniol Road on 20 December 2023 when a stack of unsecured wooden boards collapsed, causing fatal injuries. Investigators believe Chloe was attempting to retrieve a sheet of plywood when the materials fell, crushing her neck. [hsmsearch.com]
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that 28 large boards, some weighing up to 30kg, had been stored upright against a wall without any support. The investigation concluded that the company had failed to provide safe systems of work, adequate training, supervision, and suitable procedures for lone working and material storage. [hsmsearch.com]
At Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on 9 July 2026, Varcity Living Limited pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches and was fined £50,000, along with costs of £10,080. Director David Horrocks also pleaded guilty and received a 26‑week prison sentence suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £7,886 in costs. [hsmsearch.com]
Chloe’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of proper workplace safety measures, particularly when young workers are employed and lone working arrangements are in place. HSE guidance states that building materials must be stored securely to prevent them toppling and that lone workers require additional supervision, monitoring and safety procedures. [hsmsearch.com]
Shareable takeaway: A preventable workplace safety failure cost a young apprentice her life. Employers have a duty to ensure safe storage practices, proper supervision, and effective risk assessments to protect everyone on site. [hsmsearch.com]
