An electricity and gas utility company has been fined after a worker was killed on Winslow Road in East Claydon.
Aylesbury Crown Court heard how in November 2016 a sub-station crafts person for National Grid Electricity Transmission, was to move a delivery crate containing a compressor with the help of a colleague.
The employee was using a remote-controlled lorry loader crane but as he attempted to attach the slings to the hook, the crane struck him resulting in fatal injuries.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC failed to ensure the lift was properly planned, effectively supervised and carried out safely. The Company also failed to ensure the employee had received adequate training in the new lorry loader crane, in particular, the additional risks due to the remote control unit.
National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations SI 1998/2307. The Company was fined £334,000, ordered to pay costs of £17,673.34, and ordered to pay an additional victim surcharge of £170.
HSE inspector Stephen Faulkner commented that "this tragic incident could have been avoided if the company had properly planned the movement of the crate involved. Employers must recognise operating remote-controlled plants carry their own risks and should be managed appropriately, including through providing adequate training for employees".
"Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards".
