Firm Fined Over Fatal Accident

The prosecution of a traffic management firm which failed to adequately protect a worker who was killed while working on the M4 highlights the importance of health and safety in the area, according to an accident at work claims expert.

RP Traffic Management of Newport has been fined £100,000 and ordered to pay £22,000 costs over the death of 30-year-old Sean Luke Hale, who was hit by a car while crossing a carriageway to collect traffic cones during a road resurfacing project in 2006.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that the firm had failed to put a safe work system in place, including appropriate signage for drivers, while the supervision of the trainee and his colleague was brought into question.

Commenting on the case, David Urpeth of Irwin Mitchell said: “Working in the field of traffic management is always going to pose an unreasonable risk if employers fail to put the right measures in place to protect their staff.

“This tragic case highlights the terrible consequences that such failures can have and I hope that lessons have been learnt.

“The importance of health and safety must never be underestimated and cases like this highlight how it must continue to rise up many firms’ agendas.”