Local News · Swindon
Swindon firm fined £35,000 after worker crushed at Highworth site
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A Swindon recovery company has been fined following an incident that left an employee with life-threatening injuries, prompting warnings from safety inspectors.
A Swindon-based vehicle recovery firm has been ordered to pay more than £35,000 after a worker suffered life-threatening injuries when he was crushed by a reversing truck. Cotswold Vehicle Recovery Limited, which operates from the Blackworth Industrial Estate in Highworth, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on October 29, 2026, where the company admitted to breaching health and safety regulations.
The incident occurred on June 13, 2025, while the employee, Simon Pedder, was performing yard duties. He was struck by a company-owned recovery vehicle, resulting in fractures to both legs and an arm, a fractured rib, and a punctured lung. Mr Pedder was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition and spent five weeks undergoing multiple surgeries, including skin grafts to rebuild his legs.
More than 16 months on from the incident, the impact on Mr Pedder’s life remains profound. He continues to rely on crutches, a wheelchair, and a Zimmer frame, and requires ongoing care to manage basic daily tasks. His family has had to adapt their home to accommodate a hospital bed, and his wife has been forced to reduce her working hours to assist with his recovery.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the firm had failed to implement a suitable traffic management system or necessary precautions to control the risks posed by reversing vehicles. Despite the company now having introduced new measures, the court heard that the lack of proper safety systems at the time of the accident had severe consequences.
Laura Artosi, an inspector at the HSE, highlighted the broader risks within the industry. 'Almost 25 per cent of fatal workplace transport accidents in Great Britain occur while a vehicle is reversing,' she said. 'This is a stark reminder to employers to properly assess and manage this fundamental risk. Cotswold Vehicle Recovery (Swindon) Limited lacked a suitable traffic management system, including adequate arrangements to ensure vehicles could reverse without risks to those on foot.'
The HSE advises that where possible, businesses should employ one-way systems to eliminate the need for reversing. In scenarios where reversing is unavoidable, sites should use barriers, clear markings, designated crossing points, and ensure vehicles are equipped with rear-view cameras and audible alarms.
Cotswold Vehicle Recovery Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The court imposed a fine of £28,000 and ordered the company to pay an additional £7,276 in costs.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original