Derbyshire Man Killed In Fatal Accident

A magistrates' court in Derbyshire has fined a farm worker £450 after he reversed a tractor over his employer.

Edward Fox, 73, died from his injuries which were caused by John Metcalfe, from Ashbourne in Derbyshire.

The court heard he had been driving at speed, with restricted visibility, when the accident happened on 25 April 2007.

Mr Metcalfe had returned to White Meadow Farm in Ashbourne at the end of the day to park the tractor, which was pulling some farm machinery.

He pleaded guilty at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court and was ordered to pay the fine and costs of £1,000.

HSE inspector Dr Samantha Farrar said: "This was a tragic case where the actions of one farm worker ultimately left his employer dead.

"Mr Metcalfe had already been warned about driving the tractor at speed around the farm, but sadly did not take this advice on board.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of watching out for other people and keeping speed down when driving tractors, especially when visibility is restricted."

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David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “This was a tragic fatal accident at work.

“Sadly, the agricultural industry is the second most likely industrial sector where a worker is likely to be killed in a work accident.

“Sadly, I have had to help numerous people pursue their compensation claim following a fatal accident at work. As such, I have seen the misery caused by fatal accidents, many of which could so easily have been avoided.”

If you have lost a loved one due to an accident at work, our serious injury solicitors could help you claim compensation to help get the answers you deserve. Visit our fatal accident claims or accidents at work claims page for more information.