Will construction worker's death inspire health and safety improvements among UK firms?
September 24th 12:05 Health and Safety
A number of companies across the UK could be inspired to adopt facilities management health and safety processes following an incident in Halewood.
Kier North West, a leading construction firm, has been handed a large fine after a worker died while working on Everton Football Club's new training academy.
Karl Davis, died after a guardrail gave way allowing him to fall out of an open window frame on the first floor of the construction.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that the guardrail had not been fitted in a way that it could withstand the weight of the rubbish chute it was connected to.
As a result the firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to ensure the safety of workers and was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay costs of £43,993.
HSE inspector Robert Hodkinson commented: "What is incredibly sad about this incident is that a man lost his life when equipment installed to make the work safer failed.
Kier North West should have planned and managed the use of the rubbish chute on the site to make sure it was safe."
