Court / Gloucestershire farmer fined after death of Shetlander in quad bike accident
A GLOUCESTERSHIRE farmer has been fined after an employee, who was originally from Shetland, was killed in a quad bike crash nearly two years ago.
Laura Simmons was working alone on 2 June 2023, spraying weed killer along fence lines, using the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) at a farm in Charlton Abbots near Cheltenham.
The overloaded quad bike overturned. The 22-year-old was found by a jogger several hours later.
Simmons, described by her mother as “lively, caring and adventurous,” died from fatal spine injuries.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the ATV overturned due to an overloaded front rack, uneven tyre pressure, unstable load from lack of baffles in the spray tank and the potential for the spray lance to be used during movement.
HSE said farmer Toby Baxter “failed to provide suitable equipment, ensure pre-use checks were conducted, implement a system to fill the spray tank, formally train his employees and properly assess the risks”.
Baxter, of Chedworth, pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £6,161.72 in costs at a hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Tuesday (29 April).
Simmons’ mother paid tribute to her daughter, saying: “She was a lively person who loved animals, was very caring, was a hard worker, was plucky, intelligent, practical, adventurous and she had a beautiful smile.”
HSE said its guidelines emphasise that safety checks for ATVs must include checking tyre pressures, which are crucial for vehicle stability.
After the court hearing, HSE inspector Emily O’Neill said: “This was a tragic incident, and a much-loved young woman has lost her life. It could have easily been avoided with the right controls in place.
“We found several failures, so Mr Baxter’s previous suggestion that Laura was a victim of ‘unfortunate circumstances’ is, frankly, offensive.
“This prosecution highlights ongoing safety concerns in the agricultural sector, which remains one of Britain’s most dangerous industries for workers.
“Proper equipment, training and risk assessment are essential to protect workers.”
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