Coventry binman’s death was accidental but there were missed opportunities
The family of David Carpenter, who died while at work last year, have paid tribute to him
Last updated 23rd Apr 2024
The death of a Coventry binman who was caught in a bin lorry’s lifting equipment and crushed was an accident, a jury has ruled.
But one of the risks was “foreseeable” and other things added to an “increased risk of missed opportunities” to keep him safe, an inquest concluded yesterday (22 April).
David Carpenter, a senior refuse collector at the city council, died aged 60 while at work on Guild Road in Foleshill last year.
A jury inquest into his death opened earlier this month and heard that Mr Carpenter was lifted into the back of the lorry, suffering fatal injuries.
The ten-day inquest overseen by area coroner Delroy Henry concluded today, April 22. The conclusion of the jury was read out at court this afternoon.
Jurors found that Mr Carpenter’s coat became entangled when leaning over the working machinery of the bin lorry, sensors were activated in sequence and he was lifted into the hopper and crushed.
They concluded the death was an accident, and the medical cause was crushing injuries.
A supplementary narrative conclusion highlighted other details. Evidence shows additional mechanical and electrical safety features would have made the bin lorry safer, the jury found.
It is “probable” that a transparent screen got in the way of Mr Carpenter accessing the emergency stop button as he could not reach this when he realised he was in danger, the court heard. “Evidence presented to the jury confirmed that the risk of a person being lifted due to entanglement of clothing on the comb was foreseeable,” the jury added in their findings.
“The risk assessment was therefore inadequate, insufficient and incomplete.” No specific training for cleaning or removing debris from the machinery was in place before the incident, they added.
“A culture of under-reporting incidents and near misses contributed to the increased risk of missed opportunities to keep Mr Carpenter safe,” the jury concluded. CCTV also showed that Mr Carpenter reached towards the control panel before going into the “danger zone” at the back of the lorry, and it is “probable” that he believed this made it safe to enter, they added.
David's family have paid tribute:
Mr Carpenter’s sister Jane spoke on behalf of his siblings and his 83-year-old mother after the inquest closed yesterday.
In an emotional statement she said: “He was friendly and helpful and also hard working.” His service to the council was “lifelong".
“David losing his life in this way has left his entire family shocked by the nature of his death and deeply saddened. It has been very difficult for the people he worked with who he also considered family, his brothers.”
“There’s no-one quite like David,” she said. “Just think of him every day of your lives. When you see them lads out working hard on the street, remember him with pride, just like we will.”
Claire Chetwynd, Mr Carpenter’s stepdaughter, also paid tribute to him. Speaking on behalf of the family, she said: “We are profoundly grateful for the time we had with David, a cherished and much-loved partner, son, Dad, brother, Grandad and friend whose life ended tragically while serving his community.
“David was a devoted refuse collector, a crucial yet often overlooked role integral to the health of everyone in this City and throughout the UK.”
Coroner’s praise for David's family:
Area coroner Delroy Henry praised Mr Carpenter’s family before the inquest closed yesterday. He said: “As a family you have demonstrated in my judgement such a strength of character and fortitude of soul that it warrants a public acknowledgement.
“As a family, individually and collectively, you have demonstrated an unwavering resilience.” “David would be proud, real proud,” he added.
Coventry City Council comment:
A spokesperson for Coventry City Council said: “David Carpenter was a much-loved and a popular crew member and our thoughts are with his family, friends and work colleagues.
“The Council will continue to consider all of the evidence given at the inquest and to work with all partners to ensure that the waste services industry remains as safe as it possibly can be.”