Tata Steel, one of Europe’s largest steel producers with UK operations employing thousands, has been fined £1.5 million over safety failings that led to the death of a contractor at its Port Talbot site in South Wales.
Justin Day, a 44-year-old father and grandfather, was crushed to death by a moving beam inside a conveyor system on 25 September 2019 while attending to a hydraulic leak. He had been called to resolve the issue just hours after other maintenance work on the system had been completed.
His family, unaware of the tragedy unfolding at the site, were waiting for him at the side of a rugby pitch, expecting him to arrive and watch his youngest son play. Instead, they received a phone call informing them he had been in an accident. An hour later, they were told he had died.
Conveyor Restarted While Partially Live
Justin, a contractor with two decades’ experience, had been called to the site around 2pm after a hydraulic leak was discovered during attempts to bring the conveyor back into service. While part of the system had been isolated, other sections remained live.
As work was underway on the lower level, Justin accessed the system from above. His entry triggered motion sensors that activated a beam, which fatally injured him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which led the investigation, said Tata Steel failed to ensure the machinery was properly isolated and guarded. The regulator found that the company did not adequately manage the risks associated with the ongoing maintenance work and had breached basic health and safety protocols.
Family’s World ‘Shattered’ by Loss
Justin’s wife, Zoe, said the impact of his death had been devastating.
“Since losing Justin I am not the same person I was,” she said. “I have struggled since that day. Mentally, I am lost and don’t know where I’m going with life. It’s shattered my whole world.
“We were together for 23 years and did everything together. I can’t put into words how much this has affected me. I am a shadow of my former self and from the day of the incident, my world fell apart.”
Justin, who would have turned 50 this year, was described by his family as a devoted partner and proud father. Rugby was one of his greatest passions, and he was always on the sidelines when his sons played.
Failures in Basic Machinery Safety
HSE inspector Gethyn Jones said the incident could have been avoided if standard safety measures had been followed.
“Justin Day’s death could so easily have been prevented. A much-loved family man is not here because of failures in health and safety basics.
“Employers have a responsibility to make sure sufficient procedures are in place to protect workers – both employees and contractors – and that those procedures are understood and followed.
“The dangers of moving machinery are well known. Sufficient risk assessments must be carried out and access to dangerous areas must be properly guarded and controlled.
“This has been a long and thorough investigation, and we believe this is the right outcome. It is clear that Justin’s death has had a devastating impact on his family, his friends and the wider community. Our thoughts remain with them.”
Court Rules on Health and Safety Breaches
Tata Steel (UK) Ltd, whose UK headquarters are in Grosvenor Place, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. These sections relate to the duty of employers to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and non-employees affected by their operations.
At Swansea Crown Court on 31 July 2025, the company was fined £1.5 million and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £26,318.67. The case was brought by senior enforcement lawyer Jon Mack at HSE.
The Port Talbot site, once the largest steelworks in the UK, remains a key location for the company. Earlier this month, Tata began construction of a new electric arc furnace at the site as part of its decarbonisation plans.
Lessons for Employers
This case has brought renewed focus on the responsibilities of employers to ensure the safety of both staff and contractors on site, particularly when working with dangerous machinery.
HSE’s guidance on the safe use of work equipment emphasises the importance of proper isolation procedures, guarding of moving parts and clear risk assessments before resuming service after maintenance. These are basic but vital safeguards that, if followed, save lives.
Employers can access official guidance via the HSE’s dedicated resource: Safe use of work equipment.