Firm fined after worker crushed by reversing truck

A company has been fined £28,000 after a worker suffered life-changing injuries when he was crushed by a reversing truck.

Simon Pedder was conducting yard duties at Cotswold Vehicle Recovery in Highworth, Wiltshire, when he was hit by a vehicle on 13 June 2025.

Pedder, who now is a wheelchair user, said: "I can't fold the washing, I can't go for a walk and I'm not allowed to drive. This accident took away my freedom."

A spokesperson from Cotswold Vehicle Recovery, which was fined £28,000 at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Thursday, said it was "incredibly remorseful" and that safety improvements had been made at the site.

Pedder suffered fractures to both legs and an arm, a punctured lung and a fractured rib when he was hit by the truck.

He was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where he underwent operations to rebuild his legs.

More than 10 months later, Pedder needs to use crutches, a Zimmer frame and a wheelchair. Doctors have said he will most likely need walking aids for the rest of his life.

He added: "My life will never be the same and I feel like this accident should never have happened as I was only doing my job."

Pedder said his wife needs to cut short her working day to care for him.

"I feel so bad because I am affecting those who are close to me.

"I used to be a very sociable person, the life of the party, both in work and with friends; this has been taken away from me as now I spend my days sitting at home by myself.

"My mood is very low, and this is affecting not only myself but also my family, who say my personality appears to have changed completely," he said.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated and said that the company lacked a suitable traffic management system.

The regulator also said that proper precautions at the Highworth site were not in place for reversing drivers.

Almost 25% of fatal workplace transport accidents in Britain occur while a vehicle is reversing, which HSE inspector Laura Artosi said was "a stark reminder to employers to properly assess and manage this fundamental risk".

She continued: "These failings led to an incident that has robbed Simon Pedder of much of his freedom and will likely have a lasting impact on his life."

HSE guidance advises companies adopt one-way systems and create protective barriers, clear markings and pedestrian crossing points to minimise risk from reversing vehicles.

Cotswold Vehicle Recovery, which pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, has added more markings to their Highworth site in the wake of the incident.

The company told BBC Wiltshire that Pedder was a "long standing and valued employee" and that Cotswold Vehicle Recovery "has proactively taken on board all learning recommendations made by the HSE".

A spokesperson added: "Significant enhancements have been made on site to create effective pedestrian segregation from workplace transport, and the company is confident that a reoccurrence cannot happen again in the future."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.