• Peter Hutchinson, 60, fell 1.5m from the ramp onto a concrete floor.
• Bertschi UK Ltd failed to properly plan the loading activity which used the ramp
• Also failed to install a handrail on the mobile loading ramp, despite manufacturer’s instructions clearly requiring this
• Fined £425,000.

Bertschi UK Limited has been fined £425,000 after a warehouse supervisor suffered fatal injuries following a fall from a mobile loading ramp during a container loading operation at its Middlesbrough site.

Peter Hutchinson, 60, was employed as a Warehouse Supervisor by Bertschi UK Limited and had worked for the company since around 2009.

On 4 November 2021, Mr Hutchinson was helping to load plastic waste bales into a shipping container at the company’s site in Middlesbrough.

As Mr Hutchinson accessed the ramp, a plastic bale slipped from the forklift truck which was loading them into the container. This caused Mr Hutchinson to step backwards and fall approximately 1.5 metres onto the concrete surface below.

Mr Hutchinson suffered serious injuries and died in hospital on 23 November 2021.

Peter’s wife Karen Hutchinson, said:

“My husband Peter was the family man and everything we did revolved around him.

“Everyone is struggling to come to terms with their dad, uncle and friend not being here. He did so much for so many people.

“To explain my feelings of loss is to try and explain the unthinkable – there are just simply no words.

“Peter was my husband and very best friend. He was my always and forever and he is my forever always.”

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Bertschi UK Limited failed to properly assess the risks associated with the loading operation and failed to adequately consider and control the risks arising from pedestrian use of mobile loading ramps.

The investigation found that employees were permitted to access the ramps without handrails. In spite of the fact that the manufacturer of the ramp had specifically advised that pedestrians should not use the ramp unless handrails were fitted.

HSE also found that the company had not sufficiently considered reasonably practicable alternatives that would have avoided work at height altogether, including using existing loading bays or placing containers on the ground before loading.

Employers must properly plan and assess work at height and ensure that it is avoided where it is reasonably practicable to do so. Where work at height cannot be avoided, suitable measures must be in place to prevent falls and protect workers from injury.

Bertschi UK Limited, was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Regulation 6(2) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Regulation 4(1)(a) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Following a trial at Teesside Crown Court in April 2026 Bertschi UK was fined £425,000 and ordered to pay costs of £119,258 at a hearing at Teesside Crown Court on Friday 17 July 2026.

HSE inspector Cain Mitchell said:

“Peter Hutchinson lost his life in an incident that was entirely preventable. The manufacturers instructions were clear: no pedestrian should have been using the ramp without handrails being fitted.

“Employers should carefully assess work at height activities and always consider whether the task can be carried out without exposing workers to fall risks.

“This was a new activity – changes to established working practices can introduce new risks and employers must ensure those risks are identified and controlled before work begins.

“This prosecution should remind dutyholders that HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action when workers are unnecessarily placed at risk.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Jonathan Bambro and Paralegal Officer Rebecca Forman.

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here: Work at Height
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

• Alexander Robson advertised his services on social media and with flyers faking the Gas Safe logo, despite not being on the Gas Safe Register
• Illegal gas work carried out on five properties, with one putting lives in danger
• All gas work must be carried out by people on the Gas Safe Register.

An illegal gas fitter who advertised his services on Facebook despite not being on the Gas Safe Register has been given a suspended prison sentence after carrying out dangerous work on homes across the North East.

Alexander Robson, 38, of Bavington Drive in Fenham, advertised his services on the social media platform and used flyers with the Gas Safe logo on them – despite the fact he wasn’t registered. Robson traded under names including GasnHeat Plumberz and North East Renocationz and undertook gas work on boilers and gas fires at five homes in Blyth, Ryton, Hexham, Winlaton and Newcastle.

However, not only was the work he carried out illegal, it was also sub-standard and endangered the lives of those living in the properties. Carrying out gas work without registration is illegal and potentially dangerous, as unqualified work can lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Robson had previously been on the Gas Safe Register aligned to various businesses up until 1 February 2024, but continued carrying out work for several months after that was no longer the case.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Robson had carried out work in five homes between June and September 2024. This included a number of boiler replacements as well as installing gas pipework, undertaking gas work on boilers and gas fires, and disconnecting gas appliances.

Alexander Robson, of Bavington Drive, Fenham, pleaded guilty to ten breaches under the Gas Safe (Installation and Use) Regulations 1999. On 14 July 2026 at South Tyneside Magistrates Court, Robson was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for a period of two years. Robson must also complete a six month mental health treatment requirement and complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity with the probation service. He was also ordered to pay £450 compensation and £200 towards prosecution costs.

HSE inspector Darian Dundas said:

“These breaches were carried out brazenly and in the open using social media and faking the Gas Safe logo to tout for business.

“Little did people know what they were signing up for when they asked him for help; a rogue trader who was not competent to safely carry out the work.

“All gas work must be carried out by registered Gas Safe Register engineers to ensure the highest standards are met.

“When they are not, the consequences can be deadly.

“The public should always ask to see the gas engineer’s identification and check the registration number online.”

Gas engineers and consumers can contact the Gas Safe Register in any of these ways:

• Gas Safe Register
• Phone – Consumers: 0800 408 5500; Engineers: 0800 408 5577
• Email – enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk

This Prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Iain Jordan and supported by Paralegal Officer Stephen Grabe.

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Guidance on domestic gas health and safety is available.
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences in England and Wales can be found here and for those in Scotland here.

• Site supervisor suffered life-changing injuries after falling from school roof
• Academy Trust responsible for 16 schools and no working at height risk assessment in place
• Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal injuries in the workplace

Romero Catholic Academy Trust, which is responsible for 16 schools across the North West of England, has been fined £32,000 after an employee fell from the roof of a school in Burnley.

Robert Baker was working as a site supervisor at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School during an inset day when the incident occurred on 2 September 2024. He had climbed up to the roof on an unsecured ladder to collect footballs when he fell from the roof and onto the concrete playground.

A short time later Mr Baker was found on the ground by a member of the public. As a result of the fall Mr Baker suffered traumatic injuries including bleeding on the brain and fractures to his face, hand and foot. Since the incident he continues to experience memory problems, difficulties with speech, and challenges carrying out every day cognitive tasks, such as using the washing machine or microwave.

Latest statistics from HSE show that falls from height are the most common cause of fatalities in the workplace, accounting for over a quarter of all work related deaths in 2025/26.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the roof had no edge protection or other means to prevent or mitigate a fall from height. The Trust did not have a standalone work at height risk assessment or safe system of work, outlining how this sort of task should be done safely.

HSE guidance states what an employer must do to protect their employees from falls from height. There is also guidance for employers on the simple and sensible precautions they should take to keep workers safe when using ladders in the workplace which has been produced in collaboration with the Ladder Association.

During a statement received from Mr Baker, he said: “The effects of the subdural hematoma have had a significant and ongoing impact on my daily life. My recovery has been extremely difficult. At one point, doctors were unsure whether I would survive and if I did they couldn’t say if I would ever walk again.”

Before the incident Mr Baker was part of a car club and used to organise for the group to attend shows. He no longer attends due to difficulties with concentration. He is also concerned about finding work in the future and the implications this will have on him and his family.

Romero Catholic Academy Trust of Padiham, Burnley pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act, 1974. The Trust was fined £32,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,360 at Warrington Magistrates Court on the 14 July 2026. The fine was significantly reduced from its original starting point due the Trust being a non-profit charitable organisation.

HM Inspector Derek Mclauchlan said: “This was a tragic incident that will have a lifelong impact on Mr Baker. Proper planning, assessment of the risks and control measures should be implemented.

“This incident could have been avoided had these been in place. The harm in this case was traumatic and life changing for Mr Baker. There are clear lessons that should be learned from this when working at height.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Matthew Reynolds and Paralegal Officer Hannah Snelling.

• Two members of the public suffered serious injuries when a scaffold tower toppled onto Putney high street.
• HSE found the tower had been assembled incorrectly and covered with sheeting which acted ‘as a sail’ in windy conditions
• Company had previously been served a prohibition notice for unsafe scaffolding at another site

A London construction company and its sole director have been fined after a tower scaffold fell onto two members of the public on a busy high street in south-west London.

On 19 July 2023, operatives working for Add Prop Limited assembled a mobile tower scaffold on Putney High Street while under the supervision of the company’s sole director, Atif Riaz. The scaffold tower, which had been assembled incorrectly with inadequate measures to separate it from members of the public, was subsequently covered in sheeting.

The sheeting acted as a sail in windy conditions, causing the tower scaffold to overturn. The structure struck and trapped two members of the public, resulting in serious injuries.

Add Prop Limited was acting as principal contractor on a project to convert a commercial building into residential flats. Mr Riaz was both the project manager and site supervisor and was present overseeing the work on the day of the incident.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Add Prop Limited had failed to ensure the temporary structure was designed, installed and maintained so that it could withstand foreseeable loads, including those created by wind acting on the sheeting. The company had previously been served with a Prohibition Notice in relation to unsafe work involving a tower scaffold at another site.

The investigation also found that the tower scaffold had neither been assembled nor inspected by adequately trained and competent persons. It had not been erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or established industry guidance.

HSE further found that Atif Riaz had been negligent in his role as both sole director and project manager. Despite the well-known risks associated with wind loading on scaffold structures, neither the company nor Mr Riaz took adequate account of those risks before deciding to sheet the scaffold.

HSE guidance states that tower scaffolds must be erected by trained and competent persons and in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Dutyholders must also ensure temporary structures are stable and capable of withstanding foreseeable environmental conditions, including wind loading. Further guidance can be found at: Tower scaffolds – HSE.

Following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Add Prop Limited was found guilty of breaching Regulation 19(2)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £7,000 in costs.

Atif Riaz, the company’s sole director, was found guilty of an offence under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was fined £1,730 and ordered to pay £1,730 in costs.

HSE Inspector Daniel Burton said:

“The public have a right to expect scaffolding they pass by is safe and has been properly installed – yet every year people are injured when scaffold towers overturn.

“In this case, two members of the public suffered serious injuries when a scaffold tower overturned on a busy high street. The risks associated with scaffold towers and wind loading are well known within the construction industry – this kind of incident simply should not happen.

“The fines imposed on Add Prop Limited and Atif Riaz should underline to everyone in the construction industry that the courts, and HSE, take failures to follow health and safety requirements extremely seriously.

“HSE will not hesitate to take action against companies and, where appropriate, directors who fail to do all that they should to keep workers and members of the public safe.”

The HSE prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski and paralegal officer Melissa Wardle.

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here Tower scaffolds – HSE.
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

• 18-year-old apprentice joiner Chloe Bidwell was fatally crushed by unsecured board materials at a renovation site in Bangor
• Chloe was working alone with no lone working policy, inadequate supervision, and no safe storage procedures in place for the boards that killed her
• An HSE investigation found the company and its director failed to provide safe systems of work, information, instruction, training and supervision

A property management company has been fined and its director handed a suspended sentence after an 18-year-old apprentice was killed whilst working at a property in Bangor, North Wales.

Chloe Bidwell was working for Varcity Living Limited as a joiner apprentice at a residential property on Deiniol Road, Bangor, on 20 December 2023. The property was undergoing a full renovation when a stack of wooden board material fell, fatally injuring Miss Bidwell.

Miss Bidwell had been working alone at the time of the incident and was found deceased at the property after she failed to respond to messages or return home. A mixture of board materials had been stacked vertically and unsecured against a wall. It is believed she may have been attempting to retrieve a plywood board from the stack when some of the boards fell on her, crushing her neck and causing fatal injuries. There were 28 boards in total, of large dimensions and potentially weighing up to 30kg each. No attempt had been made to secure the boards in their upright position, and the risk of them falling had not been identified.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Varcity Living Limited failed to provide safe systems of work and failed to provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision, so far as was reasonably practicable. The investigation also found that these failures were attributable to the neglect of director David Horrocks.

Specifically, investigators found there was inadequate site supervision, no suitable lone working policy or procedure, no suitable policy or procedure for the storage of board materials, and inadequate risk assessment prior to the incident.

HSE guidance on stacking materials states that building materials must be stored safely so they cannot topple or roll over. Boards should be stored horizontally on a level surface using suitable pallets or battens and must never be stacked on edge without adequate support. HSE guidance on lone working also states that where lone working is undertaken, there should be increased training, supervision and monitoring, including procedures to confirm a lone worker has returned safely once their task is complete.

Varcity Living Limited, of High Street, Bangor, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £10,080 in costs at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on 9 July 2026.

David Horrocks, of Felinheli, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to pay £7,886 in costs.

Chloe’s mother, Clare Stephenson-Brown, speaking on behalf of the family, said:

“Chloe was only 18, full of life, energy, and determination. She had so many talents and dreams: a skilled joiner, a rugby player, a surfer, a skydiver, and a young woman who was about to travel the world and begin her journey towards becoming a firefighter. She was wise beyond her years, brave, and incredibly grounded.”

Mrs Stephenson-Brown described the devastating impact of losing Chloe in the way that she did:

“Chloe died instantly and alone. The fact that she was by herself in those final moments is something that causes us unbearable pain and something we will carry forever. Knowing how full of life she was and how much she had yet to experience makes her loss impossible to accept.”

She added:

“As a family we feel like Chloe was let down at work, and because of that, we have lost her forever. Our lives will never, ever be the same again. We just hope that those responsible truly understand the enormity of what has happened, not only the loss of Chloe’s life, but the devastation caused to her family, her friends, and her community.

As a family, we hope this case is not viewed simply in terms of the outcome in court, but as a stark reminder of the real human cost behind it. The impact of losing Chloe reaches far beyond any sentence and will stay with us forever. We urge employers to look beyond compliance and truly consider the responsibility they hold for the lives in their care. Safety must be meaningful in practice, ensuring risks are properly managed, lone working is safe, and that everyone who goes to work returns home.”

HSE inspector Rachael Newman said:

“Chloe Bidwell was a young apprentice joiner at the very beginning of her career. She had every right to expect that her employer would take the basic steps needed to keep her safe at work. Her family had every right to expect that when Chloe went to work, she would come home.

“The tragedy of Chloe’s death is made all the more jarring because it was so wholly avoidable. Apprentices should not be working alone on a construction site, and Chloe died in circumstances which should never have been able to happen.

“Chloe’s employer, Varcity Living Limited, had no safe storage system in place for the dangerously heavy boards which were stacked upright and completely unsecured. Furthermore, they had failed to provide the necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision for their young apprentice.

“Today’s result cannot bring Chloe back, but we hope the sentence handed down brings some solace to her family, whose lives carry on without her. They remain in our thoughts, and we offer them our deepest condolences.”

This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Arfaq Nabi and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas.

Further Information

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available on the HSE website.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases are available on the HSE website.
4. Relevant guidance can be found at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg150.pdf, https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis2.pdf and https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.pdf.
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so. The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences are available on the Sentencing Council website.

Cwmni rheoli eiddo wedi’i ddirwyo a’i gyfarwyddwr rheoli wedi’i ddedfrydu i gyfnod o garchar wedi’i ohirio ar ôl marwolaeth prentis ‘dewr, cryf, a phenderfynol’ yn ei harddegau

• Cafodd Chloe Bidwell, prentis saer coed 18 oed, ei gwasgu’n angheuol gan ddeunyddiau bwrdd heb eu diogelu mewn safle adnewyddu ym Mangor
• Roedd Chloe yn gweithio ar ei phen ei hun heb bolisi ar gyfer gweithio ar ei phen ei hun, goruchwyliaeth annigonol, a dim gweithdrefnau storio diogel ar waith ar gyfer y byrddau a’i lladdodd
• Canfu ymchwiliad gan yr HSE fod y cwmni a’i gyfarwyddwr wedi methu â darparu systemau gwaith diogel, gwybodaeth, cyfarwyddyd, hyfforddiant a goruchwyliaeth

Mae cwmni rheoli eiddo a’i gyfarwyddwr wedi cael dedfryd o garchar wedi’i ohirio, ar ôl i brentis 18 oed gael ei ladd wrth weithio mewn eiddo ym Mangor, Gogledd Cymru.

Roedd Chloe Bidwell yn gweithio i Varcity Living Limited fel prentis saer mewn eiddo preswyl ar Ffordd Deiniol, Bangor, ar 20 Rhagfyr 2023. Roedd yr eiddo yn cael ei adnewyddu’n llwyr pan syrthiodd pentwr o ddeunydd bwrdd pren, gan anafu Miss Bidwell yn angheuol.

Roedd Miss Bidwell wedi bod yn gweithio ar ei phen ei hun ar adeg y digwyddiad a chafodd ei darganfod yn farw yn yr eiddo ar ôl iddi fethu ag ymateb i negeseuon na dychwelyd adref. Roedd cymysgedd o ddeunyddiau bwrdd wedi’u pentyrru’n fertigol ac heb eu sicrhau yn erbyn wal. Credir ei bod hi o bosibl wedi bod yn ceisio nôl bwrdd pren haenog o’r pentwr pan syrthiodd rhai o’r byrddau arni, gan falu ei gwddf ac achosi anafiadau angheuol. Roedd 28 o fyrddau i gyd, o ddimensiynau mawr ac o bosibl yn pwyso hyd at 30kg yr un. Ni wnaed unrhyw ymgais i sicrhau’r byrddau yn eu safle unionsyth, ac nid oedd y risg y byddent yn cwympo wedi’i nodi.

Canfu ymchwiliad gan yr Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch (HSE) fod Varcity Living Limited wedi methu â darparu systemau gwaith diogel ac wedi methu â darparu gwybodaeth, cyfarwyddyd, hyfforddiant a goruchwyliaeth ddigonol, cyn belled ag yr oedd yn rhesymol ymarferol. Canfu’r ymchwiliad hefyd fod y methiannau hyn yn ganlyniad i esgeulustod y cyfarwyddwr David Horrocks.

Yn benodol, canfu ymchwilwyr nad oedd goruchwyliaeth ddigonol ar y safle, nad oedd polisi na gweithdrefn addas ar gyfer gweithio ar ei phen eich hun, nad oedd polisi na gweithdrefn addas ar gyfer storio deunyddiau bwrdd, ac nad oedd asesiad risg digonol cyn y digwyddiad.

Mae canllawiau’r HSE ar bentyrru deunyddiau yn nodi bod rhaid storio deunyddiau adeiladu yn ddiogel fel na allant ddymchwel na rholio drosodd. Dylid storio byrddau’n llorweddol ar arwyneb gwastad gan ddefnyddio paledi neu estyll addas a rhaid peidio byth â’u pentyrru ar eu hymyl heb gefnogaeth ddigonol. Mae canllawiau’r HSE ar weithio ar eich pen eich hun hefyd yn nodi, lle mae gweithio ar eich pen eich hun yn digwydd, y dylid cael mwy o hyfforddiant, goruchwyliaeth a monitro, gan gynnwys gweithdrefnau i gadarnhau bod gweithiwr sy’n gweithio ar ei ben ei hun wedi dychwelyd yn ddiogel ar ôl i’w dasg gael ei chwblhau.

Plediodd Varcity Living Limited, o Stryd Fawr, Bangor, yn euog i dorri Adrannau 2(1) a 3(1) o Ddeddf Iechyd a Diogelwch yn y Gwaith ac ati 1974. Dirwywyd y cwmni £50,000 a gorchmynnwyd iddo dalu £10,080 mewn costau yn Llys Ynadon Llandudno ar 9 Gorffennaf 2026.

Plediodd David Horrocks, o Felinheli, yn euog i dorri Adran 37 o Ddeddf Iechyd a Diogelwch yn y Gwaith ac ati 1974. Dedfrydwyd ef i 26 wythnos o garchar, wedi’i ohirio am ddwy flynedd, a gorchmynnwyd iddo dalu £7886 mewn costau.

Dywedodd mam Chloe, Clare Stephenson-Brown, yn siarad ar ran y teulu:

“Dim ond 18 oed oedd Chloe, yn llawn bywyd, egni, a phenderfyniad. Roedd ganddi gymaint o dalentau a breuddwydion: saer coed medrus, chwaraewr rygbi, syrffiwr, neidiwr awyr, a menyw ifanc a oedd ar fin teithio’r byd a dechrau ei thaith tuag at fod yn ddiffoddwr tân. Roedd hi’n ddoeth y tu hwnt i’w hoedran, yn ddewr, ac yn hynod o gadarn.”

Disgrifiodd Mrs Stephenson-Brown effaith ddinistriol colli Chloe yn y ffordd y gwnaeth:

“Bu farw Chloe ar unwaith ac ar ei phen ei hun. Mae’r ffaith ei bod ar ei phen ei hun yn yr eiliadau olaf hynny yn rhywbeth sy’n achosi poen annioddefol i ni a rhywbeth y byddwn ni’n ei gario am byth. Mae gwybod pa mor llawn bywyd oedd hi a faint nad oedd hi wedi’i brofi eto yn gwneud ei cholled yn amhosibl i’w derbyn.”

Ychwanegodd: “Fel teulu, rydym yn teimlo fel pe bai Chloe wedi cael ei siomi yn y gwaith, ac oherwydd hynny, rydym wedi ei cholli am byth. Ni fydd ein bywydau byth yr un fath eto. Rydym yn gobeithio y bydd y rhai sy’n gyfrifol yn deall maint yr hyn sydd wedi digwydd yn wirioneddol, nid yn unig colli bywyd Chloe, ond y dinistr a achoswyd i’w theulu, ei ffrindiau, a’i chymuned.

 Fel teulu, rydym yn gobeithio na chaiff yr achos hwn ei ystyried o ran y canlyniad yn y llys yn unig, ond fel atgof llym o’r gost ddynol wirioneddol y tu ôl iddo. Mae effaith colli Chloe yn ymestyn ymhell y tu hwnt i unrhyw ddedfryd a bydd yn aros gyda ni am byth. Rydym yn annog cyflogwyr i edrych y tu hwnt i gydymffurfiaeth ac ystyried yn wirioneddol y cyfrifoldeb sydd ganddynt am y bywydau yn eu gofal. Rhaid i ddiogelwch fod yn ystyrlon yn ymarferol, gan sicrhau bod risgiau’n cael eu rheoli’n iawn, bod gweithio ar eich pen eich hun yn ddiogel, a bod pawb sy’n mynd i’r gwaith yn dychwelyd adref.”

Dywedodd arolygydd HSE, Rachael Newman:

“Roedd Chloe Bidwell yn brentis saer ifanc ar ddechrau ei gyrfa. Roedd ganddi bob hawl i ddisgwyl y byddai ei chyflogwr yn cymryd y camau sylfaenol oedd eu hangen i’w chadw’n ddiogel yn y gwaith. Roedd gan ei theulu bob hawl i ddisgwyl, pan fyddai Chloe yn mynd i’r gwaith, y byddai hi’n dod adref.

“Mae trychineb marwolaeth Chloe yn cael ei gwneud hyd yn oed yn fwy ysgytwol oherwydd ei bod mor gwbl osgoadwy. Ni ddylai prentisiaid fod yn gweithio ar eu pen eu hunain ar safle adeiladu, a bu farw Chloe mewn amgylchiadau na ddylent fod wedi gallu digwydd byth.

“Nid oedd gan gyflogwr Chloe, Varcity Living Limited, system storio ddiogel ar waith ar gyfer y byrddau peryglus o drwm a oedd wedi’u pentyrru’n unionsyth ac yn gwbl heb eu diogelu. Ar ben hynny, roeddent wedi methu â darparu’r wybodaeth, y cyfarwyddyd, yr hyfforddiant a’r oruchwyliaeth angenrheidiol i’w prentis ifanc.

“Ni all canlyniad heddiw ddod â Chloe yn ôl, ond rydym yn gobeithio y bydd y ddedfryd a roddwyd yn dod â rhywfaint o gysur i’w theulu, y mae eu bywydau’n parhau hebddi. Maent yn parhau yn ein meddyliau, ac rydym yn cynnig ein cydymdeimlad dwysaf iddynt.”

Dygwyd yr erlyniad hwn gan y cyfreithiwr gorfodi HSE Arfaq Nabi a’r swyddog paragyfreithiol Lynne Thomas.

Nodiadau i Olygyddion

1. Yr Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch (HSE) yw rheoleiddiwr cenedlaethol Prydain ar gyfer iechyd a diogelwch yn y gweithle. Rydym wedi ymrwymo i amddiffyn pobl a lleoedd, a helpu pawb i fyw bywydau mwy diogel ac iachach.
2. Mae rhagor o wybodaeth am y ddeddfwriaeth y cyfeirir ati yn yr achos hwn ar gael ar wefan yr HSE.
3. Mae rhagor o fanylion am y datganiadau newyddion diweddaraf gan yr HSE ar gael ar wefan yr HSE.
4. Gellir dod o hyd i ganllawiau perthnasol yn: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg150.pdf, https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis2.pdf and https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.pdf.
5. Nid yw’r HSE yn rhoi dedfrydau, yn gosod canllawiau nac yn casglu unrhyw ddirwyon a osodir. Rhaid dilyn canllawiau dedfrydu perthnasol oni bai bod y llys yn fodlon y byddai’n groes i fuddiannau cyfiawnder gwneud hynny. Mae’r canllawiau dedfrydu ar gyfer troseddau iechyd a diogelwch ar gael ar wefan y Cyngor Dedfrydu.