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£800,000 fine after airport worker dies from crush injuries (5 April 2017)

Date: 05/04/2017
Duncan Lewis, Personal Injury Solicitors, £800,000 fine after airport worker dies from crush injuries

Leading construction company Laing O’Rourke has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the death of a worker from crush injuries.

On 2 October 2014, Philip Griffiths’ brother, Paul, accidentally reversed into his 38-year-old sibling as the brothers were trying to move a broken scissor lift on a service road at Heathrow Airport, while working for Laing O’Rourke.

Paul Griffiths had tried to tow the scissor lift away using a dumper truck, under the direction of managers. However, his foot got stuck between the brake and the accelerator and the truck reversed into his brother, Philip, who was standing between the two vehicles. Mr Griffiths was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Health and Safety Executive investigation found that neither worker had the appropriate certificate authorising them to use the dumper truck – and the operation had not been properly overseen or managed.

Laing O’Rourke Construction Limited of Crossways in Dartford pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 22(1)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 – the company was fined £800,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,000.

After sentencing, HSE Inspector Jack Wilby said:

“This incident was a tragedy for all concerned and – as revealed by our investigation – entirely avoidable.

“Laing O’Rourke did nothing to address the trend of these workers carrying out tasks they weren’t trained or authorised for – these dedicated staff, including Philip and his brother, needed appropriate supervision.

“Had 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.”


Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who suffer crush injuries as a result of negligence on how to make a no win no fee compensation claim – including claims relating to:

  • Accidents at work
  • Children’s accidents
  • Construction accidents
  • Holiday accidents and illness
  • Industrial accidents and illness
  • Public liability accidents
  • Road traffic accidents.

  • Crush injury claims have to be made within three years of injury – children can claim compensation for crush injuries up to the age of 21.

    Duncan Lewis also offers supportive legal advice to bereaved families whose loved one has lost their life as a result of fatal crush injuries caused by negligence and who wish to claim compensation.

    For expert legal advice on no win no fee Crush Injury Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


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