Tory donor’s wife fined for safety breaches

A farm owned by the Lady Carole Bamford, wife of the prominent Tory donor and JCB chair Sir Anthony, has been prosecuted over the death of an employee.

Daylesford Organic Farms was fined £65,000 plus £27,500 in costs for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act after employee Anthony Cripps fell from a telehandler he was riding in and was crushed to death by its wheels. The HSE inspector investigating the accident said there was “a relaxed safety culture” at the farm.

Meanwhile, JCB Excavators paid out compensation to two members of the GMB general union members after admitting liability for their workplace illnesses and injuries.

The company admitted liability for an injury to Peter Slaney, who broke his arm while testing a new JCB and paid undisclosed damages in an out of court settlement.

Another GMB member received £20,000 after he was exposed to irritants and developed occupational dermatitis while working as a plumber for the firm.