A firm has been fined £100,000 after a worker died when the tailgate of a hydraulic trailer closed onto his neck.

David Dow’s family said “finally some justice has been done” after Dengie Crops admitted failing to ensure his safety and failing to have a detailed written risk assessment in place for working on the trailer’s tailgate.

Two staff members had been fitting the tailgate to the trailer and had three more bolts left to fit when Mr Dow, of Cedar Grove, Burnham, put his head through the back of the trailer to speak to one of them.

Chelmsford Crown Court was told his death could have easily been avoided had barriers been in place around the trailer to prevent unauthorised access.

Dengie Crops, in Hall Road, Asheldham, was fined and ordered to pay £28,400 costs on Friday.

A Dengie Crops Ltd spokesman said: “The company has taken this tragic accident extremely seriously and accepts by way of its plea of guilty that there were failings in the way it managed health and safety at its Asheldham site.

“The company has always taken health and safety seriously but, as a result of the accident, has undertaken a comprehensive review of its health and safety systems."

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