Firms fined over fatal work accident

Two companies have been prosecuted and fined a combined £130,000 after a man suffered a fatal work injury.

Basildon Crown Court found that Micor Ltd of West Hanningfield, Chelmsford had breached Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. As a result, the company was fined £100,000 and instructed to pay costs of £20,000.

In addition, Crane and Transport Services Ltd of Hartley, Kent - which was a subcontractor that provided staff to monitor the lifting procedure - admitted to breaching Regulation 8(1) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. The firm was ordered to pay £10,000 of costs and fined £30,000.

The work accident occurred on April 6th 2006 when Gary Drinkald, an employee of Micor Ltd – a demolition contractor – was working to demolish the A1306 Stifford Rail Bridge in Essex. The 43-year-old was fatally injured by a concrete beam which fell on him.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Nicola Surrey said: "This case is a warning to other employers that there are serious consequences for not protecting their workforce."

In another incident last month, two companies - LCS Interiors Ltd and Kent Commercial Finishings Ltd - were fined after a worker injured his hand.

Published by Hannah Carr