A company has been fined £40,000 after a "thoughtful and kind" dad-of-four was killed while discharging a fire extinguisher.
Craig Pearson, from Dudley, died on March 8, 2023, after being struck in the head by a cartridge-type extinguisher that exploded during processing at Fire Protection Recycling Limited’s site in Oldbury on March 7, 2023.
The 37-year-old had been working on powder extinguishers that were at the end of their serviceable life when the incident occurred.
Mr Pearson was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but died the following day.
His fiancée Rachelle said: "Craig was bubbly, Mr funny and adventurous. There was never a day where we didn’t laugh. He was thoughtful, kind and always thought about my needs and was helpful to others.
"I often sit and wonder what life would be like if Craig was here now. Would we be married? What would we be doing together? I take each day as it comes.
"I try my best to keep life as normal as possible and do my best to ensure my children are happy."
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had not carried out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, and its systems of work for processing these types of fire extinguishers were not suitable.
The HSE said the company also failed to provide proper storage arrangements or a suitable restraint system to prevent old extinguishers from ejecting dangerous parts during discharge.
After the explosion, the extinguisher was found embedded in the ceiling of the workroom.
HSE inspector Heather Campbell said: "Our thoughts today are with the family of Craig Pearson, a young dad of four.
"He should have returned home safely to his family at the end of his working day but because of the failings of Fire Protection Recycling Limited, he did not.
"I hope the verdict handed down leaves companies in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action against those that fail to protect their employees."
Mr Pearson is survived by his fiancée Rachelle, siblings John and Cheryl, and his four children.
Fire Protection Recycling Limited, based on Pearsall Drive in Oldbury, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £17,034.25 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on September 14.
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds, with support from paralegal officer Lynne Thomas.
Fire Protection Recycling Limited has been contacted for a comment.
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