A global metal recycling company based in Warrington has been fined £150,000 for safety failings after a worker was killed when he was crushed by part of a 33 tonne metal barge.

William Ward, aged 56, from Handsworth, Sheffield, sustained catastrophic crush injuries in the incident at European Metal Recycling Ltd’s Kingsbury depot in Warwickshire on October 12, 2011.

Mr Ward had been dismantling the barge when it fell on top of him.

The recycling giant, whose headquarters is based on Delta Crescent, Westbrook, was sentenced on December 19 after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive identified serious flaws with the method of work being used to dismantle the barges.

Warwickshire Crown Court heard how Mr Ward was working alongside others to cut and dismantle two large steel barges using oxy-acetylene torches.

The married dad-of-two finished cutting through the outer skin of the barge’s hull and had moved inside the now unsupported structure, to cut some supporting braces, when the side collapsed in on him.

He died at the scene.

EMR, which operates across Europe, Asia and the Americas, failed to do enough to protect the workers, and ensure that burning contractors on site were competent and working safely.

It was fined £150,000 and ordered to pay £80,000 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Mark Austin said: “European Metal Recycling Ltd for ensuring the barges were being dismantled in a safe manner.

“Our investigation found they all neglected that responsibility and Mr Ward has paid the ultimate price with his life, a terrible and senseless loss that was completely preventable had the work been better planned and managed.”

Mr Ward’s wife of 25 years, Jayne, said: “On hearing of Billy’s death, my world was turned upside down.

“The news was so sudden and one of the worst things was not to have been able to say goodbye.

"I have no partner now and the boys have no father.

“As a couple, you build up a picture of your life together going forward; seeing the boys settled, grandchildren, retiring and spending time together.

"All this has been taken from him, from me and from the boys.”