Dale McClelland, 23, from Redruth, tragically died on 16 November 2017 after becoming trapped in a baling machine at H&A Recycling Ltd, located on Cardrew Industrial Estate. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following a detailed three-year investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), H&A Recycling pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter and breaches of health and safety regulations at Truro Crown Court on 4 September.
On the latest hearing at Plymouth Crown Court, the company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay nearly £46,000 in costs. This case represents the first corporate manslaughter prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 in the Devon and Cornwall region.
Detective Inspector Steve Hambly, the senior investigating officer, condemned the company for multiple safety failures. Court evidence included footage showing employees engaging in play-fighting and racing vehicles around the factory floor, highlighting poor supervision and inadequate training.
“This investigation exposes dangerous disregard for staff safety. It was not acceptable to expose Dale to these risks,” said DI Hambly. “We hope this sends a clear warning to all employers that safety must be the heart of how they do business.”
HSE Inspector Simon Jones criticised the recycling plant’s machinery guarding, describing it as “some of the worst I have seen in 20 years.” He stated that if the baler had been properly guarded and maintained, Dale’s death could have been prevented.
Dale’s family paid tribute to him as a “family man with a heart of gold” and urged companies to improve their health and safety standards. “Dale was kind-hearted and the life and soul of every party. He was a devoted son, dad, fiancé and friend. This pain will never leave us,” the family said. “We hope this tragedy encourages firms to ensure the highest health and safety standards.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
