Lindsay Easton died while driving a heavy crane down a steep road away from a wind farm at Scout Moor, Lancashire.

It is alleged that the brakes failed and the crane crashed into an earth bank and fell from the road.

Baldwins had been carrying out work on wind turbines in the area.

Jane Wragg, specialist prosecutor in the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “I have carefully reviewed the evidence gathered by Lancashire Police and the Health and Safety Executive during their investigation into the tragic death of Lindsay Easton.

“I have concluded that Baldwins Crane Hire Limited should be charged with an offence of corporate manslaughter.

“I have also concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge the company Baldwins Crane Hire Limited with offences under Section 2 and Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

“The first hearing will take place at Burnley Magistrates’ Court on a date to be determined.”