Tragic Fatal Accident
A worker was killed when he became entangled in the rotating drum of a top-cutting machine while preparing a trench in a Wiltshire road.
Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are investigating the accident. The HSE have called for all firms to ensure that their machinery meets safety standards and to avoid the danger of using these machines without proper safety devices.
"Most machines of this type require a deactivation device which automatically stops the machine when the operator leaves the drivers seat," said HSE inspector Helena Tinton.
"Employers are legally required to ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state and to make sure all safety devices are in working order. Operators should also make sure that the power is disconnected and the machine has come to a standstill before carrying out any maintenance on the cutting wheel," she added.
"We urge those in the construction and utilities industries to check the safety devices on their top-cutting machines and to prevent similar incidents occurring."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “This was a horrific fatal accident.
“The construction industry is the industrial sector where a worker is most likely to be killed following a work accident. As such I would urge all employers to re double their health and safety efforts with a view to reducing this tragic death toll."