Worker Philip Griffiths was crushed between two vehicles
Laing O鈥橰ourke has been fined 拢800,000 after the death of a worker at Heathrow airport in October 2014.
Southwark Crown Court heard that 38-year-old Philip Griffiths died after his brother Paul accidentally reversed into his sibling when the pair were trying to move a broken down scissor lift on a service road, while working for Laing O鈥橰ourke.
Paul Griffiths tried to tow the scissor lift away using a dumper truck under the direction of managers. During the attempt his foot got stuck between the brake and the accelerator and the truck reversed.
Philip, who was standing between the two vehicles, suffered crush injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that neither worker was authorised with the appropriate certificate to use the dumper truck, and that the operation was not properly overseen or managed.
Following the incident on 2 October 2014, Laing O鈥橰ourke Construction Limited of Crossways in Dartford pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 22(1)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, was fined 拢800,000 and ordered to pay costs of 拢10,000.
Speaking after sentence, HSE Inspector Jack Wilby said: 鈥淭his incident was a tragedy for all concerned and, as revealed by our investigation, entirely avoidable.
鈥淟aing O鈥橰ourke did nothing to address the trend of these workers carrying out tasks they weren鈥檛 trained or authorised for. These dedicated staff, including Philip and his brother, needed appropriate supervision.
鈥淗ad 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.鈥�
A Laing O鈥橰ourke spokesperson said: 鈥淟aing O鈥橰ourke fully accepts the findings of the court following the tragic events in October 2014. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts remain with Philip Griffiths鈥� family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
鈥淭he company is committed to continually reviewing and improving its health and safety systems.鈥�
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