Livestock market fined over £80k after man was killed by escaped cow
25th June 2024
A Welsh livestock market has been fined over £80,000 following a tragic incident and the death of a 75-year-old man.
Father-of-two Huw Evans was knocked down and trampled by a cow that was being auctioned at a livestock market run by J.J. Morris Limited on 19th November 2022, the Health and Safety Executive confirmed.
The cow was being unloaded into a pen at Whitland Livestock Market but managed to escape before heading towards Whitland, Carmarthenshire.
Mr Evans, who also lived in Whitland, had been crossing the junction at North Road and West Street when he was attacked by the cow.
He suffered multiple injuries and was flown to the University Hospital of Wales, where he died six days later on 25th November.
Failed safety measures
HSE also confirmed that a worker at J.J. Morris Limited was injured in an unsuccessful attempt to capture the cow, which later ran towards Whitland Rugby Club and a railway line before being captured and put down by Dyfed-Powys Police.
The investigation found J.J. Morris Limited, which has operated Whitland Livestock Market for over 30 years, failed to implement basic, physical control measures to prevent cattle from escaping.
Additionally, the company’s risk assessment was “not suitable nor sufficient” as it referenced control measures that were not present at the market.
J.J. Morris Limited from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The company was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £5,047.55 in costs at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
Foreseeable and preventable incident
Mr Evans’ son, Dafydd, said: “Dad was my best friend and I miss him terribly, he was taken from us too soon.
“Losing dad has had a tremendous effect on both myself and my brother. Because of this incident, dad’s grandsons will never fully know him personally, and he will not see them grow up.”
HSE inspector Rhys Hughes added: “This tragic incident was foreseeable and preventable. The risk posed by cattle escaping from the livestock mart should have been identified, and effective control measures implemented.
“The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance, which is readily accessible and outlines the requirements to safely manage cattle.”
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