One of Northern Ireland's biggest construction firms has been fined £60,000 after a sub-contractor was killed on one of its sites.
Martin McKay from Drumquin was working on a road project in County Fermanagh in February 2006 when he was electrocuted. He died when he touched the side of a lorry as it came into contact with overhead electricity cables.
Northstone (NI) Ltd had overall responsibility for the site and had failed to ensure a safe work area near overhead power lines. In addition, the company failed to complete a suitable risk assessment and failed to ensure that sub-contractors adhered to health and safety procedures. The sub-contractor who was driving the lorry was also fined £300 for failing to complete a suitable risk assessment.
The case, which was heard at Dungannon Crown Court, was brought by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSE NI). Inspector Kevin Campbell said it was vital that all construction companies properly identify the location of electricity power lines before starting work. "Where it is not possible to avoid working close to these power lines, systems must be implemented to minimise and control the risks. These systems need to be communicated to the workforce, implemented and maintained."
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