Co Antrim trailer manufacturer hit with £175K fine over worker’s death in preventable crush incident

In a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety, a County Antrim trailer manufacturer has been fined £175,000 for health and safety offences that led to the tragic death of an employee.

McCauley Trailers Limited, based on Gloverstown Road in Toomebridge, pleaded guilty to two breaches earlier this year and was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court.

The fines stem from a joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), following the incident on 4 September 2019.

The employee was preparing a tipper trailer for shot blasting—a process that involves blasting fine metal grains to remove rust and dirt before painting. To access the underside, the trailer body was raised using a forklift truck and supported by a single metal prop placed between the chassis and the body.

Tragically, the body fell, causing fatal crush injuries as the worker was trapped.

Prosecutors from the Public Prosecution Service’s Fraud & Departmental Section collaborated closely with HSENI and PSNI to assemble a strong case.

The investigation revealed significant lapses: no risk assessments or safe systems of work were in place for safely raising, supporting, and working under a raised tipper trailer during shot blasting.

Furthermore, the prop used on the day had been modified, rendering it far less effective at holding the trailer in position. This failure to identify and control risks associated with working under raised loads was central to the offences.

HSENI Major Investigation Team Inspector Kiara Blackburn commented after the hearing:

“Working under raised loads is a known industry hazard. It is essential that employers identify the risks associated with their work activities and implement adequate controls.

“Safe systems of work, including the use of safe, suitable, and correct work equipment to raise and support raised loads must be in place. Employers must ensure that all employees are aware of the risks and are suitably trained and supervised. This tragic death was completely preventable.”

Mrs Blackburn added:

“Enforcement action was taken by Health and Safety Inspectors from HSENI following the incident to ensure steps were taken to protect employees while working under raised loads. HSENI will not hesitate to take enforcement action to ensure that workplace risks are appropriately managed.”

The company was fined for breaching Article 4(1) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, incurring a £165,000 penalty, and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, with a £10,000 fine.

This case underscores the preventable nature of many workplace accidents and the legal obligations on employers to prioritise employee safety.

For those in similar industries, HSENI provides guidance on working safely under raised loads, including resources on health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries, as well as specific advice on propping vehicles (available via HSE Guidance INDG434).

Businesses across Northern Ireland are urged to review their procedures to avoid similar tragedies, ensuring robust risk assessments and training are embedded in daily operations.