Fatal Factory Failings: Dale Mcclelland Dies in Horrific Baling Machine Accident
Dale Mcclelland, 23, from Redruth, tragically died on 16 November 2017 after becoming trapped in a baling machine at H&A Recycling Ltd on Cardrew Industrial Estate. He died instantly at the scene.
Company Fined £200,000 for Corporate Manslaughter
After a painstaking three-year probe by Devon and Cornwall Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), H&A Recycling pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter at Truro Crown Court on 4 September. The firm was also found guilty of breaching health and safety laws.
Today, Plymouth Crown Court handed down a £200,000 fine plus nearly £46,000 in costs. This marks the first corporate manslaughter prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 in the Devon and Cornwall region.
Systematic Safety Failures Exposed
Detective Inspector Steve Hambly, leading the investigation, blasted the company for glaring safety blunders. “We uncovered serious failings in staff safety, risk assessments, supervision, and training,” he said. “The use of machinery, especially the baling machine that caused Dale’s death, was dangerously mismanaged.”
Court evidence also revealed staff engaging in horseplay and speeding around the factory floor—actions that showcased a shocking disregard for safety.
“The safety of staff must be central to every business. It was unacceptable to expose Dale to these risks,” said DI Hambly. “Dale’s family showed immense dignity and patience throughout this long investigation. While this verdict can never bring him back, it sends a clear message: his death was preventable.”
HSE Inspector Slams “Worst Guarding Standards in 20 Years”
HSE Inspector Simon Jones did not mince words: “The guarding standards at H&A Recycling were some of the worst I’ve seen in two decades. Proper machine guarding, maintenance, and employee training are non-negotiable. If the baler had been up to standard, this tragedy would not have happened.”
Family Tribute: “A Heart of Gold”
Dale’s family remembered him as a “family man with a heart of gold,” urging other companies to prioritise health and safety.
“Dale was an amazing son, dad, brother, fiancé, uncle, grandson, nephew, godfather, cousin and friend. Kind-hearted, always going out of his way for others, and the life and soul of any party,” they said.
“He was deeply family-oriented and will be forever missed and loved. We hope this terrible loss makes other employers raise their health and safety standards to the highest levels.”
