Heartbreaking news from the workplace: 18-year-old Chloe Bidwell tragically lost her life while on the job. This talented apprentice carpenter, and passionate rugby player, was working on a property renovation when unsecured 30kg wooden boards fell on her. The company she worked for has been fined £50,000 and its director sentenced to a suspended prison term due to health and safety failings.
Chloe’s mum shared that Chloe had many talents and dreams, from joinery to skydiving, and was about to embark on a world tour and a career in firefighting. She expressed the immense pain of Chloe’s passing, urging all employers to take their responsibility seriously to prevent such tragedies.
The court revealed stark negligence in safety measures. Chloe was working alone in a property on Deiniol Road in Bangor when the boards, unrestrained and dangerously stacked, fell and caused fatal injuries. It was a situation that could have been easily avoided with proper safety protocols.
Inspector Rachael Newman highlighted that young apprentices should never face such risks, calling Chloe’s death “wholly avoidable.” Employers, take note: safety isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s about ensuring everyone returns home safe. Chloe’s family hopes her story serves as a powerful reminder of the real human cost of neglecting safety.
Our thoughts are with Chloe’s family, friends, and community as they navigate this devastating loss. Let’s ensure her untimely passing prompts meaningful change in workplace safety standards. Stay safe, everyone! 🌟