BAM Nuttall Ltd, a construction company, has been fined £2.345 million after a worker drowned in the River Aire. Gary Webster died two days after drowning in the the river on the 30 October 2017.
The accident occurred when the boat Gary Webster and another worker were on capsized during the removal of debris at the bottom of the weir gates at Knostrop Weir. The boat overturned after being pulled into turbulent water, caused by the considerable flow of water flowing over the top of the weir.
The other worker managed to swim to safety, but Gary Webster was repeatedly pulled under the water and was eventually recovered by a diver 14 minutes later. Mr Webster passed away on 1 November 2017 at Leeds General Infirmary.
After investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) it was found that BAM Nuttall Ltd could slow down the flow of the water through several operatives who were trained and authorised to control the weir gates. This would have allowed the debris to float away or be reached safely by boat, but the company had failed to carry out this task.
BAM Nuttall Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £2.345 million and ordered to pay £25,770.48 in costs at Leeds Magistrates' Court on 12 June 2024.
HSE inspector Jayne Towey said: "BAM Nuttall Ltd failed to plan the work. It failed to carry out any assessment of the risks involved with the task. It failed to have any regard to the recognised hierarchy of controls to reduce the risk associated with removing debris from the water. It failed to ensure that suitable safety measures were in place and failed to put in place a safe system of work.
"This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices."
