Bilfinger Salamis UK Limited, Suffolk was given a fine of £100,000 for breaching the Work at Height Regulations SI 2005/735, after the death of 37 year old employee, Lee Bertrand.
The incident occurred on a platform in the North Sea, on 16 June 2011. Mr Bertrand was absailing in an area, taking photographs and removing debris.
As he was climbing up during this activity, the safety rope sheared, and he fell a distance of 23 metres into the sea below, striking steelwork several times. He died before reaching the on-site hospital.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the job Mr Bertram was undertaking had not been properly planned and was contrary both to industry guidelines and the company’s own procedures.
