Safety Needs To Be Focused On, Expert Urges

A company has been fined £50,000 following a work accident which saw a worker die after being electrocuted while using a lorry-driven crane.

Blackford (Newbury) Ltd pleaded guilty to safety breaches in relation to the death of 26-year-old Anthony Milani of Greenacres, who was fatally injured when the crane he was operating touched overhead power cables at an industrial estate near Eastleigh in 2007.

The court heard that the worker was trained to use a Hiab crane by a warehouseman who lacked the necessary experience, while the same senior employee was unaware of safety guidance about overhead power lines.

David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, said this industrial accident highlighted a series of failures.

He explained: “The most tragic aspect of this case is the fact that Mr Milani’s death was avoidable if the correct supervision, training and safety measures had been put in place on the site.

“Companies need to ensure they take every possible step to protect their workers from the risk of injury and this terrible fatal accident highlights a number of examples where this was not the case.

“It is vital that all firms take note of the issues raised in this case and that steps are taken to ensure this incident is not repeated in the future.”

If you have lost a loved one due to an accident at work, our serious injury compensation solicitors could help you claim compensation to help get the answers you deserve. For more information visit our fatal accident claims or workplace accident claims page.