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Travis Perkins has been fined £2 million after a timber load fell from one of its lorries, resulting in the tragic death of a father of three. The company admitted to three safety offences, and the sentence was handed down at Hove Crown Court on Thursday.
The incident occurred on May 13, 2020, when a strip of timber became loose from a Travis Perkins vehicle traveling on the A26 after leaving the company’s Newhaven depot. The timber struck the windscreen of an oncoming car, killing 28-year-old Jack Stevens, who was driving a BMW.
Councillor Christine Robinson, deputy leader and cabinet member for community wellbeing at Lewes District Council, commented: “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.”
The court heard that the load was inadequately secured with just a single strap, which failed to provide sufficient restraint. This lapse was deemed a critical factor in the accident.
An investigation conducted by Lewes District Council, in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive, led to the prosecution. The council highlighted that this tragic accident could have been entirely prevented with proper adherence to health and safety standards.
In addition to the fine, Travis Perkins was ordered to pay £85,000 in costs.
This case underscores the critical importance of securing vehicle loads safely and the devastating consequences of failing to do so.
