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Two haulage firms have been fined a combined total of £2.2m after a depot manager was struck by a reversing HGV and killed.

Neil Roberts, 60, worked for Turners (Soham) when he was hit by the truck on 30 August 2019.

The incident occurred at the premises of The Haulage Group, previously known as Howell Group, in Birmingham when the vehicle reversed out of a parking space in the transport yard.

A subsequent investigation by the HSE found that both companies failed to manage the risks associated with workplace transport.

Turners (Soham) pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £1.9m and ordered to pay costs of £7,300.

The Haulage Group also pleaded guilty to breaching the same Act and was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,300.

A statement issued by Roberts’ family said: “He did anything and everything he could to provide for his family.

“Family meant everything to him, he wasn't a man of many words, he mainly showed his emotions through doing and showing you how much he cared. He was always there to help.

“Dad has left a massive hole in all of our lives, and nothing will be able to fill that.”

HSE Principal Inspector Amy Kalay said: “This tragic incident was completely preventable.

“Both companies failed to recognise and control the risks associated with workplace transport, and in particular the dangers of reversing vehicles and poor visibility.

“The principle of ensuring pedestrians and vehicles are kept apart is well known and the measures needed to ensure separation and control the risk need not be complicated.

“If the companies had acted to identify and manage the risks involved, and to put a safe system of work in place, this incident would not have happened.”