Barrier Accident: Cider Manufacturer Fined £1.4 Million

A heart-wrenching incident unfolded on 28 September, 2020, as Tommy Manns, a beloved grandfather, lost his life on his 65th birthday. Employed by H Weston and Sons Limited, the manufacturer of Henry Westons Cider, Tommy was driving when a security barrier at the company's site in Bounds Farm, March Marcle, Ledbury, pierced through the windshield, fatally crushing him.

🚨 Fatal Oversights Lead to £1.4 Million Fine 🚨
Following a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), H Weston and Sons Limited faced serious consequences. The company was fined £1.4 million after an HSE investigation revealed critical safety lapses. The installed security barrier, in place for just a month, lacked a suitable risk assessment. Additionally, the company failed to implement a safe system of work to secure the barrier when open and closed.

💔 Remembering Tommy: A Devastating Loss 💔
Tommy Manns, left behind two children, three grandchildren, and a grieving family. His wife, Rose Manns, expresses the ongoing shock and emotional turmoil she faces since the tragedy. Tommy's grandchildren, who called him to sing happy birthday just hours before the accident, are left grappling with the loss of their loving grandfather.

🌐 Impact Beyond Words: Legacy and Lingering Grief 🌐
The devastating incident has left a lasting impact on Tommy's family. Rose Manns describes losing confidence and struggling with constant nervousness and reliving the accident. Tommy's stepson, Oliver Hunter, shares the profound effect on his children, who now face daily struggles with separation anxiety and changed behaviours since their Grampy Tom's untimely death.

⚖️ Legal Outcome ⚖️
H Weston and Sons Limited pleaded guilty to breaching regulations, leading to a fine of £1.4 million and an additional £26,756.50 in costs. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in the workplace.

🕊️ In Memory of Tommy Manns: A Call for Workplace Safety 🕊️
This tragic incident underscores the critical need for robust safety protocols. As we remember Tommy Manns, let us advocate for comprehensive risk assessments and the enforcement of stringent safety measures to prevent such heart-wrenching losses in the future. Share this video to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety.

#workplacesafety #RememberingTommy #HSEAlert