Council prosecution leads to £2m fine for building materials firm

A prosecution brought by Lewes District Council has resulted in a £2m fine for builders' merchant Travis Perkins after a piece of timber fell from one of the firm's lorries and killed a man.

Jack Stevens, 28, was struck by a strip of timber while driving behind the lorry in May 2020.

The district council conducted an investigation, working collaboratively with the Health and Safety Executive, and brought about the prosecution.

Hove Crown Court issued the fine last week (23 January) after Travis Perkins admitted three offences contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The court heard how only a single strap was used on the load, which did not adequately secure it, and the lashing was insufficient.

Cllr Christine Robinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at Lewes District Council, said: "I hope our prosecution sends a strong message to businesses that it is of the utmost importance they adhere to health and safety legislation to ensure that something like this never happens again.

"I am grateful for to our officers for their rigorous investigation and professionalism in pursuing this prosecution over a lengthy period, working collaboratively with the Health and Safety Executive."

The court also awarded £85,000 costs.

A spokesperson for Travis Perkins said: “Travis Perkins takes full responsibility for the failings which led to the death of Jack Stevens in 2020, and we reiterate our sincere apologies and condolences to his family.

“We have cooperated fully at all stages of the investigation and subsequent prosecution and accept the decision of the court.

“Travis Perkins holds itself to the highest standards of Health and Safety and immediately following this tragic incident, we undertook a detailed internal investigation, resulting in decisive action to implement a wide range of enhanced training across the whole organisation as we strive to ensure an incident like this is never repeated.”

Adam Carey