Hounslow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hounslow Council prosecutes catering firm for health and safety violations after agency worker Kumar Limbu was fatally struck by a forklift in April 2023.
Following a guilty plea to two crimes under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, DO & CO Event and Airline Catering Limited was forced to pay £47,091 in legal costs in addition to a fine of £2.45 million.
After being hit by the car driven by a coworker, Mr. Limbu, a veteran of the British Army who had served in the Brigade of Gurkhas, received severe injuries and passed away before he could get to the hospital in Hounslow.
The driver’s truck was carrying a load that was obstructing his vision, the court heard.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court was informed during the sentencing hearing on June 25, 2025, that there were no obvious signs indicating pedestrian and vehicle zones at the time of the collision.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court learned during the sentence hearing on June 25, 2025, that at the time of the incident:
There were no physical barriers between the automobile and pedestrian zones, no speed restriction signs, and no obvious marks indicating these zones.
There were no site rules posted at the entrance.
No safety barriers separating the zones for vehicles and pedestrians had to be followed by the staff.
Mr Limbu’s daughter, Smriti Limbu, said:
“Our beloved head of family Kumar Limbu had gone to do his work on a normal day but never came back home due to his employer’s negligence.
This has had a severe effect on us as a family – we lost a caring husband, lovely dad and our charm of family.
With the efforts of Hounslow’s health and safety investigation, we feel very pleased to hear the outcome and we feel like justice has been served.”
They said that as a family, they had believed from the beginning that there were so many health and safety breaches from his work which resulted in such a tragic incident that took their lovely Dad away from us.
My mum still hasn’t come out of this trauma, and she thinks my dad has gone to work, and will return. Her eyes are full of tears, and she is waiting for her husband. This news of justice has given her strength and belief in our system.
Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Customer and Experience and Enforcement at Hounslow Council, responded to the prosecution:
“This sad case highlights the devastating consequences of inadequate workplace safety measures and underscores the importance of robust health and safety procedures in high-risk environments.
I’d like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of our team who have worked diligently to deliver this prosecution over many months. This is vital work which holds unsafe workplaces to account and will help safeguard against future tragedies.
While I welcome the result of last week’s hearing, it’s important to remember that no fine can bring back a much-loved husband and father and respected colleague and my thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Limbu.”
What safety measures were overlooked in the catering company’s operations?
Inadequate risk assessment and management of forklift truck operations in worker-populated locations, such as the absence of safe pedestrian pathways or barriers protecting pedestrians from cars.
Accidents are more likely when forklift operators are not properly trained and are not adequately supervised to guarantee safe working practices.
Lack of workplace organization, such as congested walkways that make it difficult to see and move safely, incorrect signage, or inadequate lighting, can result in collisions.
Health and safety regulations that mandate safe mechanical operation and safe pedestrian-vehicular interactions are either nonexistent or not adequately enforced.
Failing to make sure employees wear or have the proper PPE to lower the risk of injury in dangerous situations.
Ineffective communication systems that fail to promptly address workers’ concerns about moving automobiles.