Man Killed In Work Accident

The largest port operator in the UK has been fined £266,000 after an Ipswich dock worker was struck and killed by a reversing vehicle.

Associated British Ports was also ordered to pay £75,000 in costs for the death of 60-year-old cargo handler Brian Vince.

Mr Vince, of Ipswich, was co-ordinating vehicles on and off a ferry when he was hit by a reversing trailer. He died at the scene.

The company was prosecuted for failing to ensure the provision and implementation of a safe system of work and for failing to ensure that employees were not exposed to risk. They pleaded guilty to a breach of section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Health and Safety Executive Inspector Kaitav Patel said: "This is another example of a fatal incident that could and should have been prevented. The company had identified the risks to the ramp man, yet failed to prevent him being in a position of danger behind a reversing vehicle."

Copyright © Press Association 2009

David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “I welcome the fine imposed following this terrible fatal accident at work.

“This work accident could and should have been avoided.

“All too often I have to help workers pursue their compensation claim following an accident at work in circumstances that could so easily have been avoided.”