Tragedy at Chicken Factory: Firms Fined Millions

In October 2018, fathers Neil Moon, 49, and Jonathan Collins, 34, tragically lost their lives at Banham Poultry in Attleborough, Norfolk. The pest controllers suffocated in a confined passageway due to a leak of nitrogen gas from the factory's chilling system, owned by Air Products. This gas had displaced oxygen, leading to their deaths, which prosecutors described as likely occurring within seconds.

Air Products was fined £2.475 million after admitting a health and safety offense. Banham Poultry received a significantly smaller fine of £900, as the company had entered administration the day after the incident and is now in liquidation. The families of Mr. Moon and Mr. Collins stated that they do not believe justice has been served, emphasizing that their true desire is for their loved ones to be alive.

Concerns about nitrogen gas leaks had been raised for 18 months prior to the incident. The court heard that additional ducting, fitted to mitigate leaks, was poorly designed and damaged, ultimately leading to the fatal gas release. Prosecutors characterized the companies' actions as 'cavalier' and a failure to ensure the safety of workers and contractors on site. Safety systems at the factory were found to be lax, with inadequate records of personnel present.

Victims' families have spoken out about the profound loss. Mr. Moon's wife, Gillian, who was pregnant at the time, spoke of her life stopping but finding strength for their son. Mr. Collins's fiancée, Sara Dutton, highlighted his devotion to his children and their future plans. Both families stressed that the deaths were entirely avoidable due to failures to act by Banham Poultry and Air Products.