Travis Perkins has been fined £2m after timber fell off one of its lorries and onto a car in Sussex, killing the driver.
Lewes District Council, which brought a prosecution against the building supplies firm, said the death of 28-year-old father of three Jack Stevens in May 2020 was “entirely preventable”.
Hove Crown Court heard how a strip of timber came loose from a Travis Perkins lorry on the A26 after it left the company’s Newhaven depot and fell into the windscreen of Stevens’ oncoming BMW.
An investigation conducted by the council, working alongside the Health and Safety Executive, found how only a single strap was used on the load which did not adequately secure it and the lashing was insufficient.
Travis Perkins admitted three offences contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act and as well as the seven-figure fine, it was also ordered to pay costs of £85,000.
Councillor Christine Robinson, deputy leader and cabinet member for community wellbeing at Lewes District Council, said: “While we welcome the substantial fine imposed today, it remains an absolute tragedy that Mr Stevens, a much-loved father-of-three, died in this entirely preventable case.
“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
“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 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.”
Robin Miller, general counsel and company secretary for Travis Perkins plc, 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.”
