Death caused by potential breach of health and safety rules

Posted: January 30, 2016

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents Workplace Injuries Wrongful & Accidental Death 

A trial is currently underway to look into the tragic death of 62-year-old Philip Ledward from Whitchurch in Shropshire. Mr Ledward, who was working for Arkenfield Stable Hire Ltd, died in November 2011 after being hit by a car whilst helping a lorry to reverse into a yard in the dark.  Mold Crown Court were told that it was “an accident waiting to happen”, and the company and general manager Phillip Sutton are standing accused of breaching health and safety rules. Both deny the charges.

Arkenfield, of Bronington, Wrexham County, have been charged with failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees by failing to ensure a safe system of work with vehicles. Mr Sutton has been accused of a similar offence and of consenting or conniving with the company. Mr Sutton was in charge of the company on a day to day basis and has been accused of neglect.

“hit by an oncoming vehicle”

Mr Ledward, who was a heavy goods vehicle mechanic, was one of three men helping to guide the articulated lorry into the company’s yard at Boundary Garage on the A495. Two of the workmen were out on the road trying to stop the traffic while Mr Ledward was speaking to the truck driver. He was hit by an oncoming vehicle and died at the scene.

Prosecuting for the Health and Safety Executive, Christopher Stables, stated that appropriate risk assessments had not been carried out and that the practice was: “fraught with dangers, particularly in the darkness”.

If you have suffered an injury at work, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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