Firm fined over fatal fire extinguisher discharge

A waste and recycling company has been fined after a father of four was killed while working on a fire extinguisher as part of his duties.

Craig Pearson, 37, from Dudley, was working for Fire Protection Recycling Limited at its site in Oldbury when the incident happened on 7 March 2023.

He had been processing powder fire extinguishers which were at the end of their serviceable life. While working on a cartridge-type extinguisher, it had a sudden release of pressure and exploded, striking him in the head.

Fire Protection Recycling Limited was fined £40,000 over safety breaches and ordered to pay £17,034 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday.

After the incident, the fire extinguisher was found embedded in the ceiling of the workroom.

Pearson was treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for his injuries, but died the next day.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Fire Protection Recycling Limited failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees while at work and while they were recycling that type of extinguisher.

The company had failed to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, and their systems of work for processing those extinguishers were not suitable, the HSE said.

The items, the body said, did not have proper storage arrangements and there was not a suitable restraint system for containing the extinguishers when they were being discharged, to prevent them ejecting dangerous parts.

HSE inspector Heather Campbell said her thoughts were with Pearson's family

"He should have returned home safely to his family at the end of his working day but because of the failings of Fire Protection Recycling Limited, he did not.

"I hope the verdict handed down leaves companies in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action against those that fail to protect their employees."

The victim's fiancé Rachelle said: "Craig was bubbly, Mr funny and adventurous.

"There was never a day where we didn't laugh. He was thoughtful, kind and always thought about my needs and was helpful to others.

"I often sit and wonder what life would be like if Craig was here now. Would we be married? What would we be doing together?

"I take each day as it comes. I try my best to keep life as normal as possible and do my best to ensure my children are happy."

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