The owners of a fencing contractor has been prosecuted after a worker was seriously injured by falling timber posts and frames.

Maurice James Blackford of Minster Road, Stourport, Kidderminster, pled guilty to breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Susan Hawthorne of Blackthorne House, Hartlebury Road, pled guilty to the same breach. The pair are both the owners of Hoo Farm Fencing.

Both were sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and fined £10,000 each. In addition, costs of £4,318 were split between the two defendants.


Worcester Magistrates' Court heard how Raymond Lainsbury, 49, was working for the firm to dip timber posts and frames in preservative on 12 February 2016.

However, the materials fell from the metal frame of a fork lift truck and struck Mr Lainsbury, causing serious injuries. His injuries still require regular physiotherapy sessions following the incident.

The court heard how Hoo Farm Fencing's method of working was unsuitable for the task they were carrying out. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had not been using the suitable equipment for the task. In addition, it failed to have the fork lift truck in question thoroughly examined up to required standards.

HSE inspector Tariq Khan said: "The seriousness of the safety failings could have resulted in much more severe injuries to Mr Lainsbury who was lucky to walk away from this incident.

"This case highlights the importance of maintaining proper safety practices and also all duty holders will be held accountable for failing to do so."

(LM/MH)