Death of worker in wall collapse: £20,000 fine
Health and Safety Executive v Mike Neesam & Son Ltd (2017) Peterlee magistrates’ court, July 26
Statutory reference: s.2 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc., Act 1974 (HSWA).
The facts
Steven Radcliffe, an employee of Mike Neesam & Son Ltd, was working on a toilet refurbishment project at a farm in County Durham.
He attempted to walk out of a shallow trench when he was struck and crushed by a collapsing wall which weighed 2.2 tonnes. He suffered fatal injuries.
The company had failed to take appropriate measures to prevent structures from collapsing. The wall was left unsupported at the time of the incident and put workers at risk of harm.
The decision
The company was fined £20,000 plus £5900 costs and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120.
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