by constructaquote - 30 March 2017
Laing O’Rourke Construction Ltd of Dartford has recently been fined £800,000 after a worker was killed in a bumper truck collision.
Philip Griffiths, 38, was killed while working for the firm at Heathrow Airport in October 2014.
Southwark Crown Court heard Brothers Philip and Paul Griffiths were trying to remove a scissor lift away by towing it with a bumper truck – under the direction of site managers.
Paul’s foot got trapped in between the brake and the accelerator causing the bumper truck to accidentally reverse into Philip who was crushed between both vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found in an investigation that the workers did not have the correct documentation allowing them to use the bumper trucks.
The HSE also found the project was not correctly planned or managed to ensure a safe working environment.
Laing O’Rourke Construction Ltd was found guilty of breaching Regulation 22(1)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. And was served a fine of £800,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,000.
HSE Inspector Jack Wilby said after the sentence: “This incident was a tragedy for all concerned and, as revealed by our investigation, entirely avoidable.
“Laing O’Rourke did nothing to address the trend of these workers carrying out tasks they weren’t trained or authorised for. These dedicated staff, including Philip and his brother, needed appropriate supervision.
“Had there been appropriate supervision, then better segregation between Philip and these two vehicles could have been established and maintained. This case should act as a reminder of the dangers of using workplace transport without proper planning, management or monitoring of the risks involved.”
Not sure if your business is taking the correct measures to protect employees? Read our post on Health and Safety For Tradesmen here.
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