Oldbury fire extinguisher recycling company fined after ‘thoughtful and kind man’ killed at work
Craig Pearson from Dudley sustained fatal injuries when fire extinguisher exploded in 2023
A waste and recycling company in Oldbury has been fined after a man described as ‘thoughtful and kind’ was killed while discharging a fire extinguisher.
Craig Pearson, 37, a father-of-four from Dudley, was working for Fire Protection Recycling Limited, when the incident happened on 7 March 2023.
The company have now been fined £40,000 for health and safety breaches.
He had been processing powder fire extinguishers which were at the end of their serviceable life, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found.
While working on a cartridge type fire extinguisher, it had a sudden release of pressure and exploded, striking him in the head.
After the incident, the fire extinguisher was found embedded in the ceiling of the workroom.
Craig was treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for his injuries, but despite the efforts of medical staff, sadly died the next day, on 8 March.
He leaves behind his fiancée Rachelle, siblings John and Cheryl, and his four children.
"There was never a day where we didn't laugh"
Paying tribute to her fiancée, Craig's partner, Rachelle, said: "Craig was bubbly, Mr funny and adventurous.
“There was never a day where we didn’t laugh. He was thoughtful, kind and always thought about my needs and was helpful to others.
“I often sit and wonder what life would be like if Craig was here now. Would we be married? What would we be doing together?
“I take each day as it comes. I try my best to keep life as normal as possible and do my best to ensure my children are happy.”
The HSE investigation found that Fire Protection Recycling Limited failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees while at work and while they were recycling these types of fire extinguishers.
The company had failed to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, and their systems of work for processing these types of fire extinguishers were not suitable, the investigation ruled.
"He should have returned home safely"
Fire Protection Recycling Limited, of Pearsall Drive, Oldbury, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
As well as being fined £40,000, the company was ordered to pay £17,034.25 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 September 2026.
HSE inspector Heather Campbell said: “Our thoughts today are with the family of Craig Pearson, a young dad of four.
“He should have returned home safely to his family at the end of his working day but because of the failings of Fire Protection Recycling Limited, he did not.
“I hope the verdict handed down leaves companies in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action against those that fail to protect their employees.”