Worker fined for reversing a tractor over his employer

A Derbyshire farm worker who reversed a tractor over his employer has been fined by Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court.

The Court heard how on 25 April 2007 John Peter Metcalfe of Ashbourne had returned to White Meadow Farm at the end of the day to park the tractor, which was attached to a muck spreader. Mr Metcalfe was driving at speed when he ran over his employer Edward Arthur Fox, while reversing the tractor through the farmyard with restricted visibility.

Previously Mr Metcalfe had received a number of warnings about driving at speed. Upon investigation the Health & Safety Executive found a four and a half metre skid mark on the ground where Mr Metcalfe had tried to stop the vehicle after hitting his employer.

Edward Arthur Fox died from this injuries.

Mr Metcalfe pleaded guilty to breaching Section 7 (a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. He was fined £450 and ordered to pay costs of £1000.

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.

Inspector Farrar concluded: "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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