Background
David Carpenter, a 60-year-old refuse collector for Coventry City Council, tragically died on January 19th, 2023, after being pulled into the back of a bin lorry. An inquest jury concluded that David's death was accidental but highlighted serious inadequacies in training and vehicle safety.
Incident Details
On the day of the incident, David was clearing debris from behind the truck when a piece of his clothing got caught by the bin lifting equipment. The inquest, which concluded on April 22nd, 2024, revealed multiple safety lapses:
- Inadequate Training: The training provided to refuse workers was found to be insufficient.
- Risk Assessments: The Council's risk assessments were deemed 'inadequate, insufficient and incomplete'.
- Vehicle Safety: The bin lorry was not equipped with optimal safety features, a fact acknowledged by the manufacturer, Dennis Eagle Ltd.
Manufacturer's Response
Jon Sayers, Engineering Director at Dennis Eagle Ltd, testified that the company had introduced a new design for bin lifting equipment in January 2024, featuring additional sensors and repositioned emergency stop buttons. A software update that stops the compaction cycle when a bin is not attached is available for older models, but these upgrades are optional and have been minimally implemented.
Jury and Coroner's Findings
The jury described the incident as ‘foreseeable’ and criticised the Council’s risk assessments. Coroner Delroy Henry acknowledged improvements in the Council’s training and procedures but announced he would issue a prevention of future death (PFD) report concerning Dennis Eagle Ltd, emphasising that the vehicles could have been safer.
Family’s Advocacy
Supported by Unite the Union and represented by Thompsons Solicitors, David’s family has called for:
- Enhanced Training and Safety Protocols: Coventry City Council should further review and update its procedures for refuse workers.
- Mandatory Software Upgrades: All Dennis Eagle vehicles should be required to implement the available software updates to prevent similar tragedies.
Claire Chetwynd, David’s stepdaughter, expressed the family's grief and their concern over the systemic safety failures:
“David was a devoted refuse collector, a crucial yet often overlooked role integral to the health of everyone in this City and throughout the UK. The historical absence of comprehensive training and risk assessments for such a fundamental aspect of their job is a grave oversight. If these policies and procedures had been in place when David was working, he would still be with us now. Urgent action is needed to address these issues to protect these vital workers."
Legal and Union Support
Karl De-Loyde, the lawyer representing the family from Thompsons Solicitors, stated:
“This has been a deeply upsetting time for the family who are understandably still coming to terms with their loss. Serious failings with the Council’s risk assessments, a failure to learn from previous incidents, and significant safety concerns with the vehicle itself mean this was a tragedy waiting to happen. It is now imperative that the vehicle manufacturer takes on board the points made by the coroner, and we support the family’s call for mandatory software upgrades.”
Stephen Pinder, Unite acting legal director, added:
“The sad events involving our member David Carpenter represent a stark reminder of the dangers faced by millions of workers on a daily basis. Unite fully expects that the recommended improvements for health and safety will be implemented across all employers. Unite will continue to work with David’s family and offer all necessary support.”
Conclusion
The tragic death of David Carpenter underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures in the workplace. The inquest revealed critical lapses in training and equipment safety that must be addressed to prevent future tragedies. The family’s call for mandatory safety upgrades and improved training protocols aims to protect refuse workers and honour David’s memory. Thompsons Solicitors and Unite the Union remain committed to advocating for these essential changes.