Electricity firm fined for fatal accident at workRSS Feed

A Cambridgeshire power company has been fined for its role in an accident at work that led to the death of an employee.

EPR Ely Ltd was fined £130,000 at Cambridgeshire Magistrates Court, after hearing how a worker was crushed to death by a straw bale.

Fifty-three-year-old Gary Darnell was killed when the 700kg bale fell on top of him while being unloaded from lorry in 2008.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that there were a number of failings regarding the movement of straw bales at the site.

HSE inspector Gavin Bull said the "tragic" accident was "entirely preventable".

"Companies need to make sure that they do not put drivers at risk from unsafe loading procedures. They should have systems of work in place keep drivers or other workers away from places that might be unsafe," he added.

It comes as the HSE launches a clampdown on unsafe construction sites, with unannounced visits around the country starting today (February 14th).

Accident claims advice from Serious Law

Posted by M E Dixon 

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