Agricultural equipment company to pay £34,000 for health and safety offences

On 3 November 2021 a fatal accident occurred at the site of GNH Agri Ltd, Meithrinfa, Aberdesach. Mr Warren Hayles died after a golf buggy which had been lifted by a 'pallet stacker' truck fell on him from a height.

Mr Hayles was an experienced mechanic who had worked for the company for quite some time.

Following the accident, an investigation was carried out by Cyngor Gwynedd environmental health officers with the help of specialist inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and North Wales Police.

The investigation found that the company's risk assessments were insufficient, the lifting equipment used was completely unsuitable and that there were no suitable arrangements for training and supervising staff.

Following a prosecution by Cyngor Gwynedd, GNH Agri Ltd pleaded guilty to the charge that they had failed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees.

At a hearing at Mold Crown Court, on 28 November, the company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay costs of £18,000 and an additional surcharge of £190.

Dafydd Wyn Williams, Head of Cyngor Gwynedd's Environment Department, said:

"This was a very serious case following a tragic accident on the GNH company site in Aberdesach where Warren Hayles lost his life. Council officers have kept in touch with the family during the investigation and we extend our condolences to them following such a difficult time.

"As a Council, we have a duty to ensure that any workplace is safe and that employees are protected during their work every day.

"It is vital that business owners and those responsible for sites ensure that suitable equipment is used for work, that safe operating methods are in place, and suitable risk assessments are prepared and implemented."