Personal Injury Solicitors

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a construction company following the death of a worker.

Daniel Clifford Yeowell was employed by Hague Construction Limited as a ground worker. On 4 October 2013, Mr Yeowell and his colleagues were constructing and installing drainage boxes at a site at Langley Green Primary School, Crawleyin West Sussex, when he was struck by a concrete drainage cover as he was standing in the excavation area.

Mr Yeowell sustained severe head injuries from which he later died.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that Hague had failed to properly plan the lifting operation – and had also failed to supply workers with the safe and appropriate equipment to carry the work.

The investigators also found that the lifting chains used were too long for the work – and were not attached safely to the cover or the excavator.

At Lewes Crown Court, Hague Construction Limited of Sir Thomas Longley Road, Rochester in Kent pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974.

The company was fined £100,000 and ordered to pay costs of £16,918.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Andrew Cousins said:

“Our investigation was prompted in the most tragic of circumstances.

“Hague Construction should have properly planned the lifting operation regarding this work activity – if the company had done so, Mr Yeowell’s death could have been avoided.”

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