The families of two pest control workers who tragically suffocated after inadvertently entering a lethal gas-filled area expressed their anguish today as two companies were fined £2.5 million for the fatal incident.
Neil Moon, 49, and Jonathan “Jon” Collins, 34, lost their lives at Banham Poultry factory in Norfolk due to what was described as a serious safety oversight by prosecutors. Their bodies were found after concerned family members alerted authorities when they did not return home.
Norwich Crown Court revealed that the men died from asphyxiation caused by nitrogen gas accumulation in a narrow walkway at the factory. The court learned that the men had unknowingly entered the passage as part of their routine pest control duties without any prior warning about the hazardous conditions.
Air Products Plc, responsible for overseeing the pipe duct installation work, and Banham Poultry Limited both admitted guilt to health and safety violations. Air Products was fined £2,475,000 for a severe lapse in repair work oversight, with additional court costs of over £83,000. Banham Poultry, which went into administration shortly after the incident, received a nominal fine of £900.
Mr. Moon, a father of three, had recently married his partner and was expecting a child at the time of his tragic death. His wife described him as a kind and uplifting person. Mr. Collins, also a father of three, was remembered as a friendly individual by his fiancé, who highlighted the profound impact of his loss on their family.
The fatal incident stemmed from the use of the SafeChill system at the factory, designed by Air Products PLC, to reduce bacteria levels on bird carcasses. Issues arose with the system’s gas dispersal, leading to the tragic outcome. Temporary modifications made to address the problem were deemed unsafe and poorly managed.
The court detailed three modifications carried out over a 13-month period, culminating in the gas leakage that claimed the workers’ lives. The lack of proper safety checks and monitoring was highlighted as a critical failure by the investigating authorities.
The families expressed disappointment with the sentencing, emphasizing the irreparable loss they have endured. They urged all responsible for employee safety to take their duties seriously to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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