Deaths in Unsecured and Dangerous Sites Draws Attention of HSE
HSE has issued renewed warnings to businesses, especially those involved in construction and similar activities, to ensure that they secure their dangerous sites against public access by putting up and maintaining proper fences and barriers.
The warning followed prosecution and conviction of Carlton Main Brickworks Limited for failing to provide suitable barriers around a quarry resulting in the death of a 13-year- old girl.
The accident leading to the prosecution took place in the year 2007, when Amber Worth and her friends entered into a Barnsley-based quarry owned by Carlton Main Brickworks Limited. Amber was crushed under a heavy boulder that fell on her at the site.
HSE prosecuted the operator before Sheffield Crown Court for violating Section (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 as it had lapsed in its responsibility to secure the site, allowing for easy public access. The operator pleaded guilty to the charges and the court imposed a fine of £25,000 with additional £22,833 as costs.
Richard Noble, the HSE Inspector, following up on the case said that the accident could have been avoided with a little amount of care and caution on part of the operator in installing proper fences and barriers around the quarry. Barriers were required especially since the quarry is located near a housing estate and there was always a fair chance of public access into the quarry.
Noble also suggested that the prosecution would remind the businesses of the need for providing adequate fencing around dangerous sites like these in the future. Noble added that though the company has now put metal barrier around the boundary, had these steps been taken before the accident, the accident could have been avoided.
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