Fatal site transport accident could easily have been avoided 25/3/06

Two companies have been prosecuted and fined for failures that permitted a fatal accident on a construction site near Derby in which a workman was crushed by heavy plant as it reversed over him as he worked on the construction of an additional parking area at Toyota's Burnaston site in August 2003. lIkeston Magistrates' Court heard both companies plead guilty - Combined Associates Ltd, trading as Combined Stabilisation, of Blackburn, was fined £25,000 for failing to provide a safe system of work and safe plant, CA Blackwell (Contracts) Ltd, of Colchester, admitted failing to ensure the safety of persons not in their employment, and was fined £15,000. HSE's costs of £4,000 were also payable by them.
HSE wishes to impress on the industry that relevant duty holders should plan effectively for vehicle movements around construction sites and that they are fit for use, advises its publication, The Safe Use of Vehicles on Construction Sites, HSG144, ISBN 0-7176-1610-x.