Company Fined Over Fatal Incident In Scotland

Scottish construction firms have been urged by a workplace injury lawyer to ensure they do all they can to protect workers, after a quarrying firm was fined over an incident which saw a worker crushed to death.

Leiths Scotland Limited was fined £96,000 earlier this year over the 2008 case of 58-year-old Arthur Jamieson, who was working underneath a digger when the vehicle rolled backwards and crushed him.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed the rear wheels of the raised vehicle were inadequately secured, while it was concluded that the firm failed to provide information, supervision and training to the worker.

Elaine Russell, who specialises in workplace injury claims at Irwin Mitchell’s Glasgow office, said: “Construction and quarrying projects are among the most dangerous that workers undertake, which means it is particularly vital that staff are given support to carry out their work safely.

“The investigation into this case highlighted a number of major failings, all of which could have played a major part in preventing the accident and the fatal injuries sustained by the victim.

“Firms cannot shy away from the issue of health and safety, and I urge all of them to thoroughly examine the procedures they have in place to ensure employees are getting the best possible support.”