A Wolverhampton-based demolition company has been fined after an employee was crushed by a reversing excavator.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates’ Court heard that on 3 May 2016 employees of Sterry Lane, trading as LPD Demolition, had been contracted to complete demolition work on a site in Stafford.
The employees were moving debris around the excavator when it began to reverse, crushing the man and leaving him with serious injuries to his leg and torso.
The worker suffered multiple fractures to his legs and pelvis, as well as punctured lungs and liver injuries. He requires assistance to move around his home and he has not returned to work more than 16 months after the incident.
An investigation by the HSE found the company failed to implement a suitable management system to segregate pedestrians and vehicles on site.
The investigation also found the company failed to adequately plan the demolition work on site and failed to highlight the risks of workers and machinery operating in the same areas without clear communication between the driver and workers on the ground.
Sterry Lane Ltd of Hickman Avenue, Eastfield, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15 (2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
The company has been fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,726.88.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Katherine Blunt said: “This incident could have easily been prevented had the company implemented the required safety measures to minimise the risk of harm to workers on site.
“Sterry Lane’s failings have led to this employee suffering life-changing injuries, an individual’s health should not be made worse by the work they do, all workers have the right to go home healthy.”
