The employee was loading sugar beet for transport using a conveyor at Knowles Logistics, on 28 November 2023, when the system became blocked with waste product. They fell after climbing the side of the conveyor to clear the blockage, suffering multiple injuries including several broken ribs, a punctured lung, and liver damage.
Knowles Logistics said it has taken “comprehensive steps” to review and strengthen its safe systems of work and operational procedures in the wake of the incident.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the conveyor system became blocked multiple times during a shift. Often these blockages could only be cleared by climbing up the side of the machine and removing the obstruction by hand.
There was no safe system of work in place for clearing blockages, the HSE said.
Knowles Logistics Limited, of Cambridgeshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The company was fined £133,000 and ordered to pay £5,438 in costs at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 24 October 2025.
HSE Inspector Natalie Prince said: “Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries. This was a wholly avoidable incident that led to a worker being seriously injured.”
A Knowles Logistics spokesperson said: “At Knowles, the safety and well-being of employees is of paramount importance. Following an incident two years ago within the Farm Division in which a machinery operator sustained injuries whilst falling in an attempt to clear a blockage within the system, we have taken comprehensive steps to review and strengthen our Safe Systems of Work and operational procedures.
“From the outset we supported our employee, provided care and assistance whilst also working closely with the relevant authorities, including the HSE, supporting their investigations which was recognised at the hearing”.
‘It was also recognised that the business has an excellent safety record across all divisions with no previous HSE prosecutions in the 94 years of establishment resulting in a significantly reduced fine.”
“We pride ourselves on our health and safety record and remain committed to ensuring that we maintain a safe and supportive environment for all members of our team.”
