Property Company Fined After Apprentice Dies in Accident at Work
Posted: November 13, 2026
Posted in: Neck Injuries Workplace Injuries
Varcity Living Limited was fined, and its director received a suspended sentence following the fatal crushing of an apprentice in Bangor, North Wales. A Health and Safety Executive investigation revealed the apprentice died in this accident at work due to a failure to implement proper lone-working safety procedures, risk assessments, and training.
Families of workers killed due to employer negligence have legal rights to pursue compensation to help cover financial losses, funeral expenses, and dependency costs.
Property management company, Varcity Living Limited, has been fined and its director given a suspended prison sentence after an 18-year-old apprentice was killed in a crushing accident during renovation work to student accommodation in Bangor, North Wales, on the 20th December 2023.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that heavy construction materials had been stored vertically against a wall without suitable support or protection. The 28 unsecured boards — which were large and weighed up to 30kg each — created a serious risk that was not identified.
Fatal accidents at work can happen to anyone, especially apprentices
At the time of the accident the apprentice, Chloe Bidwell, was at work alone at the property. The boards toppled as her back was turned and crushed Chloe’s neck. Paramedics were called and arrived on the scene quickly, but she died before she could reach hospital.
Investigators found that the company director, David Horrocks, had no suitable procedures in place for working alone. They had failed to provide appropriate information, training, and instruction to ensure the work could be completed safely, and therefore acted negligently in their role.
Chloe’s family described her as a talented, determined, and adventurous young woman with a promising future ahead of her. They spoke of the devastating impact of losing her and the pain of knowing she died alone.
Can families make a claim after a fatal workplace accident?
Fatal workplace accidents can have a profound and lasting impact on families. While no compensation can ever replace a loved one, families have legal rights to claim when an employer’s negligence has contributed to the death.
Where someone dies because of unsafe working conditions, certain family members or the deceased’s estate may be entitled to bring a fatal accident claim. These claims can help provide financial support for losses such as funeral expenses, loss of financial dependency, and other costs arising from the death.
A claim may be possible where an employer has failed to provide a safe working environment, carry out appropriate risk assessments, provide adequate training, or put suitable safety procedures in place. Specialist accident at work solicitors ** can help families understand their rights and whether they may be able to pursue compensation.
Accident Claims Cardiff can help apprentices and families make accident at work claims
At Accident Claims Cardiff, we understand that losing a loved one — be it a seasoned employee or apprentice starting their career — due to an accident at work is devastating. Our compassionate team provides a free, no-obligation assessment to help families make a fatal accident claim.
If your case is suitable, we can introduce you to our specialist personal injury panel solicitors who may be able to act on a no win, no fee * basis. We provide clear guidance and support throughout the claims process, helping families pursue the compensation they may be entitled to following such a tragic loss.
Contact Accident Claims Cardiff to start your fatal accident at work claim today.
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