A bin wagon supplier at the centre of a lorry death tragedy has been accused of “the worst kind of opportunism” after a BBC investigation claimed it was asking councils to pay for a safety upgrade.
The Unite union said Netherlands-based Terberg should deliver free upgrades to Dennis Eagle trucks after worker David Carpenter became entangled in a bin lift and dropped into the back of a wagon in Coventry in January 2023.
Dennis Eagle owner Terberg was ordered to improve thousands of HGVs following an inquest, but it has been accused of requesting local authorities effectively pay for the software upgrade.
Citing the BBC investigation, Unite said the company had been “demanding councils and refuse companies pay thousands of pounds to have parts swapped out before it is fitted.”
A lawyer for Carpenter’s family described the allegations as “deeply concerning”.
Unite national officer for local authorities, Clare Keogh, said: “Unite is clear: councils and refuse companies should be putting the safety of workers above all else, including costs.
“However, Terberg’s extra charges are causing unnecessary delays that are putting lives at risk. Frankly, this seems like the worst kind of opportunism from Terberg.
She added: “Unite has been campaigning for local authorities across the country to fit safety upgrades as quickly as possible.
“Terberg’s totally unacceptable response to a tragedy is preventing this – it must deliver free safety upgrades with no strings attached immediately.”
Karl De-Loyde, a serious injury lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors, who is representing Carpenter’s family, said: “It’s deeply concerning to hear of any barriers that may delay or prevent the rollout of vital safety upgrades.
“These decisions have real-life consequences, and it’s crucial to place the health and safety of workers at the heart of every action taken.”
Terberg had not responded to our request for a comment as we went to press.
