Ben Spencer had only been working for Sunrise Poultry Farms for two weeks when he died.
Sunrise Poultry Farms of Seagrave Road, Sileby has pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 17 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and was ordered to pay a fine of £233,000 plus costs of £8,841 after the death of a 19-year-old.
Nineteen-year-old Ben Spencer had only been working for Sunrise Poultry Farms for two weeks when he was crushed between a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and a wall on 12 April 2021.
Ben's mum Tracy said: “My life revolved around Ben, because it has always been just me and him.
“Sunrise Poultry was Ben’s first real job and with it came a conversation about the future, his own home, learning to drive and saving.
“If I could just curl up in a ball I would.”
The HGV was attempting a complex manoeuvre towards a narrow thoroughfare at the Seagrave Road premises as Ben Spencer was walking towards it.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that measures in place for segregating pedestrians and moving vehicles were wholly inadequate.
Andy Siddall, a HSE Enforcement Lawyer, said: “The company admitted failing to segregate vehicles and pedestrians at its workplace in Sileby and that resulted in the tragic death of Ben.
“Accidents like this simply shouldn’t happen and a mother shouldn’t have to hold the hand of her son as he lies dying in the workplace.
“So please check your workplace transport risk assessments, think carefully, and ensure that everybody goes home safely.”
Fosse 107 has contacted Sunrise Poultry Farms for a comment.
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