Calls for lessons to be learned as Coventry binman's death dubbed 'tragedy waiting to happen'

The family of a "much-loved" Coventry binman who was crushed after being accidentally lifted into a bin lorry say more needs to be done to keep other workers safe. David Carpenter, 60, was tragically killed at work on Guild Road in Foleshill last year.

A jury inquest ruled the city council worker's death an accident yesterday (22 April.) But it also found that the risk of a person being lifted because of their clothes getting entangled in equipment was "foreseeable."

The conclusion by jurors also highlighted a lack of specific training on cleaning debris from machinery and a "culture of under-reporting" near misses. Speaking on behalf of the family after the inquest closed, stepdaughter Claire Chetwynd described Mr Carpenter as a "cherished and much-loved partner, son, Dad, brother, Grandad and friend."

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He was a "devoted refuse collector, a crucial yet often overlooked role integral to the health of everyone in this City and throughout the UK," she added. But she also highlighted "alarming" details that had emerged at the inquest which took place in hearings at Coventry council over the past two weeks.

She said: "Throughout the inquest, we were alarmed by the revelations concerning the lack of proper training for refuse collectors, especially on how to safely clear blockages in the equipment—a routine hazard in their daily work. The historical absence of comprehensive training and risk assessments for such a fundamental aspect of their job is a grave oversight, and whilst evidence has come to light that Coventry City Council has updated its training and guidance policies, there is still work to be done.

"Workers need absolute clarity on what is expected of them when there is any sort of debris to clear, as well as absolute clarity over who is responsible for managing the process. If these policies and procedures had been in place when David was working, he would still be with us now.

"We also echo the concern of the coroner that the decision whether or not to upgrade the software on the vehicles still in use in the UK is optional. This needs to be mandatory. Urgent action is needed to address these issues to protect these vital workers."

She added: "We deeply appreciate the time of the Jury and the coroner. We would also like to thank Unite the Union and Thompsons Solicitors for their support. We also thank the media for their sensitive reporting and for bringing these critical safety issues to light.

"We hope that by highlighting these systemic failures, no other family will have to endure such a preventable loss. Health and Safety is not a luxury; it is essential to preserving the lives of every worker, especially those who perform these essential roles.

"We hope David's legacy will be that no other refuse collector is killed and that Health & Safety is never again taken for granted."

"A tragedy waiting to happen"

Karl De-Loyde, the lawyer representing the family from Thompsons Solicitors, supported by Unite the Union, also spoke after the inquest's conclusion. He said: "This has been a deeply upsetting time for the family who are understandably still coming to terms with their loss.

"Throughout the inquest the court heard clear evidence that there were serious failings with the Council’s risk assessments in place at the time of Mr Carpenters death, a failure to learn from previous incidents, and serious failings with regards the safety of the vehicle itself. Sadly, these failings mean that this was a tragedy waiting to happen.

"It is now imperative that the vehicle manufacturer takes on board the points made by the coroner, and we support the family’s call for software checks and updates to the bin lorries to be made mandatory to prevent future loss of life."

Coroner on prevention of future deaths

Before the inquest, Area Coroner Delroy Henry gave details of prevention of future death reports. These are documents that coroners write to groups where it is believed action should be taken to prevent future deaths.

He said would not be making a prevention of future deaths report to the city council. He said the council had put in a revised risk assessment and had been "proactive" in engaging with bin lorry manufacturer Dennis Eagle on retrofitting safety equipment.

But he said he would be making a report to bin lorry makers Dennis Eagle. Explaining the decision, he said: "It's the thousands of lorries as I heard, in short, are of a sub-optimal safety."

A significant number need improvements and "we are now 15 months on since David's death," he added. The firm's customers involve other local authorities and their machines lift millions of bins every day, he said.

Council statement

A spokesperson for Coventry City Council said: "David Carpenter was a much-loved and a popular crew member and our thoughts are with his family, friends and work colleagues. The Council will continue to consider all of the evidence given at the inquest and to work with all partners to ensure that the waste services industry remains as safe as it possibly can be."

Dennis Eagle statement

Dennis Eagle said: "All of us at Dennis Eagle Ltd are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mr Carpenter and wish to express our deepest sympathies towards his family, friends and colleagues.. We would also like to express our utmost gratitude towards the Jury in this matter, and respect the conclusions that have been drawn.

"The proceedings have been extensive and thorough, and have
provided us (and the waste management industry, more generally) with valuable insights and awareness. Safeguarding all Operators using our products, together with the general public, is a top priority.

"With this in mind, we will continue to update our products as technologies develop and have already made available to our customers an upgrade which enhances the safety of existing products in service. We have never compromised on safety and never will.

"All of our products meet or exceed all relevant standards and regulations.
We will continue to work closely with our colleagues at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), our industry partners, (including our valued customers and other manufacturers) and all relevant Standards Authorities.

"We extend our sincere appreciation to all parties involved in this matter, including Coventry City Council, the HSE and the Coroner’s Service."

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