Worker squashed to death against wall at pasty factory

Mr Clarke had been moving strip curtains in the loading bay before being struck by the lorry. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Samworth Brothers had not assessed the risks associated with the temporarily installed strip curtains and that there was no safe system of work to move them out of the way when the lorries reversed into the loading bay.

The strip curtains had been installed in place of a faulty roller door.

The report also found site staff had not been provided with training or instructions to move the curtains and had devised their own methods, which included standing in the yard behind reversing vehicles.

Mr Clarke was new to the role and was working his first lone shift and management failings had not picked up the additional risks associated with this task, the report added.

Bernice, Paul’s mother, said in a statement: ‘Paul was a family man and loved big family holidays, which will never be the same without him. I have not been on a family holiday since I feel so much guilt towards Paul, we don’t celebrate Christmas as the date is too close and it is just not the same.

‘Paul and I had a very special relationship between a mother and a son. We were always talking and catching up. I would call him every weekend and see what he was doing. He would always come out with us on a bike ride or a walk. We all miss Paul very much every day, our lives will never be the same without Paul.’

Samworth Brothers Limited, of Samworth Way, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The company was fined £1.28 million and ordered to pay £24,106 in costs at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on November 7, 2024.

HSE inspector Aimie Baker said: ‘Bernice’s words make clear the impact the passing of Paul has had and our thoughts remain with her and her family.

‘Workplace transport incidents involving pedestrians are a major cause of fatal injuries in the workplace with 25 such recorded fatalities in 2023/24. Employers should plan their workplace to reduce contact between pedestrians and vehicles.