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David Carpenter, a dedicated refuse collector, met a tragic fate in Coventry. On January 19, 2023, while on his morning collection round in the Foleshill area, he was operating alongside his colleagues, driver Rafal Gancarz and fellow operative Sean Isherwood. David had been a binman since the age of 18, accumulating over 40 years of experience in this crucial yet often overlooked role.
The events leading to his untimely demise unfolded as follows: David’s coat became entangled in the lifting equipment of the bin lorry. In a horrifying turn of events, he was dropped into the back of the lorry just as the automatic compaction cycle began. The jury, after careful consideration, deemed this accident as foreseeable. They highlighted several critical points:
Safety Measures: Evidence indicated that additional mechanical and safety features could have made the refuse collection vehicle (RCV) safer. Unfortunately, a transparent screen likely impeded David’s access to an emergency stop button, leading him to believe that the vehicle’s rear was safe to enter.
Risk Assessment: The risk of a person’s clothing becoming entangled was foreseeable, and the jury found the existing risk assessment inadequate and incomplete.
Training Gap: There was no specific training for refuse workers on how to safely remove debris from the machinery.
Underreporting Culture: A culture of underreporting incidents and near misses contributed to missed opportunities to keep David safe.
David Carpenter was more than just a binman; he was a warm, humble, and loving family man. His stepdaughter, Claire Chetwynd, emphasized that health and safety should never be taken for granted. She stated, “Health and Safety is not a luxury; it is essential to preserving the lives of every worker, especially those who perform these essential roles.” The family hopes that David’s legacy will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The company responsible for the software on the truck, Dennis Eagle Ltd, upgraded all 52 bin lorries in Coventry with new software at a cost of £650 per lorry. However, campaigners highlight that similar lorries around the country have yet to be upgraded, raising concerns about safety and accessibility.
Ros Wynne Jones, the Daily Mirror’s Senior Feature Writer, penned a moving piece about David this Thursday in her campaigning ‘Real Britain’ column.
May his memory serve as a reminder to prioritize safety and protect those who tirelessly contribute to our communities. Let us remember him and all others who have lost their lives at work—135 in the past 12 months—today, Workers Memorial Day.
