Fire Protection Recycling Limited was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £17,034.25 in costs following an incident involving 37-year-old Craig Pearson, a father of four from Dudley.

Incident involving end-of-life extinguisher

The incident occurred on 7 March 2023 while Craig was processing powder fire extinguishers that had reached the end of their serviceable life.

Craig was working on a cartridge-type fire extinguisher when there was a sudden release of pressure. The extinguisher exploded and struck him in the head.

Following the incident, the extinguisher was found embedded in the ceiling of the workroom. Craig was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment but died from his injuries the following day, on 8 March.

HSE investigation identifies safety failings

An investigation by the HSE found that Fire Protection Recycling Limited had failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees while they were recycling these types of fire extinguishers.

The investigation found that the company had not carried out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and that its systems of work for processing the extinguishers were not suitable.

HSE also identified inadequate storage arrangements for old extinguishers awaiting processing. In addition, there was no suitable restraint system for containing extinguishers while they were being discharged to prevent dangerous parts from being ejected.

HSE states that employers must provide plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.

Company fined £40,000

Fire Protection Recycling Limited, of Pearsall Drive, Oldbury, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 September 2026, the company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £17,034.25 in costs.

Following the sentencing, HSE inspector Heather Campbell said:

“Our thoughts are with the family of Craig Pearson, a young father of four. 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.”

Campbell added: “I hope the sentence handed down leaves companies in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action against those businesses that fail to protect their employees.”

View the source.

Our eNews provides regular insight into industry trends, news headlines, and product and service information. For more articles like this Subscribe to our enews.