Roadways Container Logistics (RCL)

Freight Firm Fined Over Crush Death 

A freight company is facing a £350,000 bill after a worker was killed by a two-tonne case of glass.

Alan Fletcher, from Leeds, was crushed to death in April 2006 when he tried to stop the item from falling as it was unloaded at Roadways Container Logistics (RCL) in the city.

Leeds Crown Court heard that the 59-year-old, an administrative manager, was with two cargo handlers, neither of whom had been properly trained, when the accident happened.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) added that the company had also carried out no formal planning or risk assessment.

RCL, of Valley Farm Way, Stourton, was fined £250,000 and ordered to pay £100,000 legal costs after admitting health and safety violations.

HSE inspector Morag Irwin said she hoped the "tragic and unnecessary" death would highlight "the importance of having an effective system in place for managing health and safety".

"I hope it serves as a warning to other companies," she added.

Copyright © Press Association 2010

David Urpeth, an accident at work solicitor at Irwin Mitchell said: "I welcome the fine imposed following this shocking fatal accident at work.

"Falls from height or injuries caused by falling objects remain a major category of both serious and fatal injuries following a work accident.

"All too often, I have to help workers pursue their compensation claim following injuries sustained in an industrial accident in circumstances that could and should have been avoided."