Personal Injury Law Blogs

Company hit with massive fine after death of temporary worker

An internationally-renowned company has been heavily fined after a temporary worker was crushed to death at work.

Mr Linas Mataitis started work for European Metal Recycling Ltd in May 2010 and worked as a labourer until the incident occurred on 18 July 2010. On the 18th July he was assisting in the shut-down cleanup for the day when he was struck by the bucket of a wheel-loading shovel at the company’s site in Scrubs Lane, Willesden (in London). The steel bucket pinned him against a steel column. As a result of this incident he received injuries to his head and body – injuries which were so severe that they proved fatal. The incident was subsequently reported to the Health and Safety Executive and an investigation was carried out. This investigation recommended that the company be prosecuted for breaching health and safety laws and the case came to the Southwark Crown Court this week. It is not currently known whether Mr Mataitis’s family is pursuing a claim for personal injury against European Metal Recycling Ltd

On 20 May 2013 the Southwark Crown Court heard that Mr Mataitis had sustained fatal injuries while working for European Metal Recycling Ltd. The Court also heard that he was working – along with a number of other workers – near a large shredding machine and was helping to clear debris away from this machine. This involved Mr Mataitis and the other workers assisting three machines – a bobcat, a mini-excavator and a wheel-loading shovel – to clear the debris. The bobcat and the mini-excavator would place the material in the wheel-loading shovel and the latter machine would then cart the debris away. This operation was proceeding smoothly until the fourth run, when Mr Mataitis was trapped by the wheel-loading shovel and suffered the fatal injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive investigation found that although the company had a specific procedure to deal with cleaning dirt from around the machines,  this procedure did not account for the opening of the safety gates, for the number of people that were working in close proximity and for the use of the machines. It was therefore found that the company had made insufficient preparations for the movement of that number of machines and persons in the same environment. It was also found that the wheel-loading shovel was being driven by a partly-trained and allegedly unauthorised operative – a fact which was exacerbated by the company’s failure to keep adequate training and supervision records.

European Metal Recycling Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of s.2(1) and s.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The Court therefore found the company guilty and fined it £300,000, also ordering it to pay costs of £72,901.

Chris Hadrill, employment solicitor at Redmans, commented that “this case demonstrates that its crucial to have the proper policies and procedures in place to ensure that work is carried out correctly – a failure to do so can cause serious harm to employees as well as incurring other losses”.

Direct 2 Lawyers offer to put you in touch with expert solicitors who can provide employment law advice and health and safety advice

Are Houstonians Safe Drivers?

Traffic in Houston has been a concern for many years. Not only are the congested highways in the area costly and dangerous, residential streets have caused concern for some residents. In 2001 there were 189 fatal accidents in the Houston area, with 74 of them being the result of a drunk driver. These statistics are similar with the national average. However, there is a growing concern for pedestrians, as the average of pedestrian-related accidents and fatalities in Houston is alarmingly high.

Recent Statistics for the Houston Area

In 2010 there were 345 accidents that involved pedestrians and vehicles in the state of Texas. More than half of these were located in Houston. This has spurred the debate of whether the traffic situation in Houston is actually worse than that of Dallas. Most of these pedestrian-related accidents were the direct result of careless driving and could have been completely avoided had proper caution been taken.

According to a recent poll that was conducted by the Transportation for America, Houston is considered the ninth most dangerous metro area and the most dangerous in the entire state of Texas. This is very alarming for citizens who are concerned about aging parents or children. Needless to say, this creates a substantial demand for experienced car accidents attorneys in Houston, Texas.

Advances in Houston Traffic Safety

Due to the increased concern for pedestrians’ wellbeing on the streets of Houston, a new concept has been introduced, known as Complete Streets. This program is developing fully functional streets that are safe for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.

The fact is that with up to 40 percent of Houstonians not being able to drive, this introduction for optimum safety of residents has become a welcome change. This has also provided hope for residents who regularly travel by foot or bike.

The Need for New Legislation

The fact remains that the roadways in Houston can still be deemed extremely dangerous, which is a problem that needs to be addressed by government agencies in order for changes to be made. Recent comparisons have deemed Texas significantly lacking for highway safety laws. Houston was the first area in the U.S. to pass the 85-mile-an-hour speed limit, putting it on the bottom tier of the safest roads.

In order for the Houston area to meet the national recommendations for highway safety, the legislature would have to pass an additional 316 new laws. This includes the law that prohibits texting while driving. This gained additional criticism when Houston officials disregarded a request from Mothers Against Drunk Driving to remedy some of the traffic issues that Houston suffers from.

The Bottom Line

It is clear to see with these statistics and concerns that as a whole Houstonians are not safe drivers. Additionally, the laws are not in place to encourage safe driving efforts. This provides the perfect storm putting anyone on the road, including pedestrians, at risk for being hurt or involved in a traffic accident that could result in a fatality. With encouragement from concerned citizens there are some actions being taken, but some still wonder if it will be enough to handle the major traffic concerns of the Houston area.

Byline

Daniel Parker writes on legal topics such as Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property, Tax Law and other areas.

Understanding The Strengths And Weaknesses Of Your Case

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your case is important to getting the representation you seek as you pursue just compensation for your personal injury accident. You can do this by getting a free case evaluation or a free consultation by or from a personal injury lawyer. When it comes to hiring a lawyer, it is important to find out how much a lawyer will charge. What percentage of settlement do lawyers get? The answer depends on how much your personal injury attorney charges for their specific services. However, there are some things you will need to know before, during, and after you talk to or go see a personal injury lawyer. Here they are.

Before

Were you really injured?

You can only recover damages from a defendant for injury they caused. So, even if you were involved in a typical personal injury accident because of someone else, such as a slip and fall or car accident, if you weren’t really injured, then you might not have any reason to use personal injury law. This keeps the courts open for more serious cases that need their attention; and, there are still other avenues of justice available to you if you feel you were wronged and would like to file a lawsuit against the person who wronged you. Talk to a lawyer– any lawyer, about what those might be.

Is your lawsuit worth pursuing?

Okay, you were injured. But, you weren’t injured a lot. In fact, you’ve already paid for your medical bills– and easily. Lawsuits are costly. They are also timely. So, before you file one, think about what you’ll get out of your lawsuit in the end. You might not win, and even if you do win, will what you win be worth it– making up for the time and money you lost along the way?

During

Knowing the where, when, what, and why of your case will help a lawyer identify strengths and weaknesses during your free case evaluation or free consultation.

Where?
Know where your accident happened. Each state will have its own rules, so it matters. More specifically, you should also know where your accident happened as far as streets, counties, and even cities go.

When?

Know when your accident happened. Did you wait more than two years? Then, you might not be able to sue the person who caused your accident and recover damages for your injuries anymore.

What?

Know what happened. Get witnesses and medical reports, as well as police reports if available

Why?

Know why your accident happened. Were you partially to blame? This can affect your ability to recover through a doctrine known as contributory negligence– basically, a defendant is only liable for the percent of damages they were responsible for.

After

After you finish your free case evaluation or free consultation, you are left to pursue your case. According to Timothy J. Ryan & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers victims of accidents have two years after their incident to file a claim. Rethink your initial assumptions now that you have a professional, experienced opinion. If needed, contact another personal injury lawyer for a second, third, or even fourth opinion. Doing so, and doing so in a timely fashion, is in your best interest, because knowing whether or not you have a strong or a weak personal injury case can help you make the hard decision about whether or not to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Jennifer Machie writes for Jason McMinn,  a personal injury lawyer at the McMinn Law Firm.

Loss of Consortium: What it is and How it Can Affect You

Loss of consortium is the legal term applied to intangible aspects of a personal relationship when an individual is a victim of significant injuries or wrongful death due to the negligence of a responsible party. All cases are adjudicated by financial damage awards and are normally determined by exact dollar amounts from a traditional formula, such as lost wages and medical bills. However, loss of consortium involving love and affection is much more difficult to calculate, and this often hinges on the actual parameters of the relationship and contributions the victim makes to that particular relationship.

Dividing Damages

There are two primary types of damage awards in a personal injury lawsuit. Compensatory damages involve actual lost finances and medical bills resulting from the injury. In cases of egregious negligence by the respondent, punitive damages can also be awarded by a jury. Of course, this requires taking a case to trial.

Insurance companies are not always directly responsible for punitive damages unless the court finds the company is bargaining in bad faith. However, including an aggressive insurance company in a trial is not impossible. The possibility of punitive damage awards by a jury can motivate a responsible party to make a good faith offer settling an injury or wrongful death claim. All experienced trail attorneys know this, and they can use the situation to maximize a case settlement.

Loss of Consortium Damages

Standard compensatory damages are awarded to the petitioner or estate representative. Loss of consortium is a different form of damage which is awarded directly to the affected spouse. According to a New Hampshire personal injury lawyer, spouses have the right to love, comfort, companionship, affection and moral support. This damage applies to both husbands and wives, so men should not dismiss the possibility of a consortium loss claim in association with a personal injury lawsuit. The amounts are calculated according to case particulars involving family relationships. An example would be a victim’s children and their ages, as loss of consortium damages could be much higher if the children are still underage. This could also include lost financial support from potential earnings of the victim until the children reach adulthood. Loss of consortium damages are clearly unique in this regard.

Loss of Consortium Limits

Loss of consortium has been addressed by the Supreme Court in terms of limitations, suggesting that limits should be set in single-digit multiples of the actual compensatory damages in the case. The standard was generally set at four times the compensatory amount, but each case should be evaluated separately for a higher potential. A case ratio result of 1:4 would mean that the spouse is awarded an additional financial amount limited to 25% of the compensatory award. Of course, this is a sliding scale and is open for considerable negotiation latitude prior to a trial. Many times a settlement is better than an actual trial because the respondent has a chance to beat the case in trial.

Loss of consortium is easily the most difficult damage to calculate definitively. It encompasses both compensatory aspects as well as punitive aspects. It is important to retain an attorney who is highly experienced and knowledgeable of the calculation method, including the possible outcomes of a trial, in an effort to maximize a damage award. However, it is not unreasonable that loss of consortium awards can be very valuable additions to any litigation involving serious personal injury or wrongful death.

Midnight Walker writes about law, personal injury and family issues. A New Hampshire personal injury lawyer, Tenn Tenn And PA, will help guide its clients through the maze of legal issues when confronted with Loss of Consortium.

Getting Around Town Safely: Teens and Public Transit

Any time that a person ventures out into society, they open themselves up to potential danger. This is especially true for teenagers, who may appear vulnerable to predators and lack the life skills that are necessary to keep themselves safe. If you are a teenager or have a teenage child, it’s important to begin learning or teaching these skills now, so you can avoid any possible disasters in the future.

Staying Safe at the Station

When waiting for a train, bus or subway, it’s a good idea to stay in a central location where other commuters are gathered. Although being in a crowd definitely does not guarantee safety, it’s far better than sitting alone in a corner somewhere. Always remain aware and watchful of what is going on around you. If you have some time to kill, consider reading a book versus putting on headphones and closing your eyes. Being able to hear what is going on in your surrounding area could go a long way in protecting your safety.

Staying Safe While In Transit

Once you are on your way, you should still remain alert and aware. Unfortunately, robberies do happen on trains and subways, so always keep your wallet in your front pocket and your purse close to your body. Make sure that your cell phone is charged and easily accessible, and if possible, carry a whistle that you can blow to draw attention in case of an attack. If you will be riding late at night or early in the morning, ride as close to the operator as possible. If anyone seems threatening or makes you otherwise uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to change seats. Most train and subway cars have call boxes that you can use to notify the police if you need help.

When it comes to buses, most of the same rules apply. According to information from the website of Doyle Raizner injury lawyers, “Buses—similar to trains and planes—are common carriers that generally have an obligation to provide a high level of safety to its passengers.” Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts by parents, lawyers and consumer groups, many buses still lack seat belts and other basic safety features, which can lead to serious injuries should there be an accident. Despite this, traveling by bus is still much safer than if your teen was to drive themselves or ride with a friend.

Staying Safe on The Way Home

If you are using the public transit system, you will probably have a short walk from your stop to your final destination. Avoid getting off at a stop that looks isolated, especially late at night. All of the above rules still apply while walking, such as staying alert, keeping your possessions close to your body and being ready to run from anyone who seems suspicious. Also, try to move with confidence and purpose, as if you know exactly where you are going and have no fears about getting there safely. Looking confused or lost could potentially make you a target for criminals.

As a parent, you might feel concerned at the idea of your child riding the public transit system alone, but studies have actually shown that despite the fact that a good number of transit accidents do occur and there are obviously other dangers, this option is actually much safer for teens than driving themselves or riding along with other young drivers. With a little street smarts and learned wisdom, your teenager should get where they are going without any problems.

Legal researcher Shelby Warden is a mother of two who shares this information to help keep teens safe. The Doyle Raizner injury lawyers have extensive experience handling personal injury claims arising out of bus accidents. They work tirelessly to protect the rights of their clients, whether they were a bus passenger, operator, pedestrian, or in another vehicle that was injured in the bus accident.

New Research on Dangers of Using Voice Apps While Driving

Approximately 6.1 billion text messages are sent each day, according to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association statistics. At least half of all drivers have admitted to reading either texts or emails while on the road. Around 30 percent of drivers surveyed have actually admitted to typing a message, according to AAA data. These are dangerous statistics, given that over 3,000 people die as a result of vehicle crashes involving distracted driving.

Voice  Technology

To counter the dangers of texting while driving, new mobile phone voice applications and other products have been developed. For instance, Samsung’s S Voice and Apple’s Siri voice assistant are among the many options for users to speak, rather than type their texts.

Driver Reaction Times

A new study by the Texas A and M Transportation Institute has revealed that reaction times during texting are almost twice as slow as for those who are not texting, regardless of whether using their fingers or their voices. This should come as no surprise, given that using hands free devices in general have not proven to lessen vehicle accidents of those using their cell phones in any capacity.

Testing Mechanics

The Texas A and M study was the first to compare voice texting against traditional texting on handheld devices in actual driving environments. Researchers had 43 participants drive 30 mph without texting on the first round of the exercise. On the second round, each driver sent several texts using their hands. During the third and fourth rounds drivers sent several voice texts on a variety of hand held devices.

During each round, cameras were used to track each driver’s eye gaze. A GPS recorded lane change positioning. The driver response time consisted of measuring how many seconds each driver took to press response buttons after green LED lights flashed on vehicle dashboards.

Test Results

While the drivers reported that using voice to text felt safer, there was little, if any difference in their reaction times as compared to type to text. In fact, researchers were stunned to learn that slower driver response times were actually recorded than for type to text methods. This might be because drivers using voice to text software took longer to complete their texts than when typing them manually.

Distracted Driving and Texting

Essentially, driver reaction times were twice as long as when they were not texting at all, whether it was by typing or by using a voice application. Also, eye to roadway contact decreased substantially in every case of typing or voice texting. According to the website of a highly respected car accident attorney Charlotte NC firm, “Not thinking about the road while driving is called a cognitive distraction that leads to slower reaction times, shorter following distances, and inability to stay in the correct lane.”

While it may seem like using the voice to text application is less distracting than typing, people still need to use their minds to compose their thoughts. One of the biggest concerns is that drivers felt safer using voice to text applications, though their driving performance levels were affected equally. This could easily lead to a false sense of security that texting using spoken commands is safer, when in actuality, it is not.

It is estimated that at least thirty nine states have outlawed type to texting. However, hands free voice to text is still legal in every state. Therefore, the potential to either cause an accident or get involved in an accident with a driver who is texting in any way using a handheld device is just as great ever.

Researcher Shelby Warden shares this article to raise awareness of this new information. The car accident attorney Charlotte NC firm of Auger & Auger has recovered millions in damages for their clients. Their aggressive attorneys treat each client’s case with the importance and passion that it deserves.

E-Prescriptions: Reducing Medication Errors

The digital age has made e-mail and texting the preferred method of written communication. However, one area where handwriting has persisted until recently has been for medical prescriptions. This is very unfortunate, since inappropriate directions and sloppy writing has led to what are known in the medical industry as preventable adverse drug events. While some of these instances are minor, it has still caused problems that have exacerbated a patient’s ills, sometimes even causing their death.

Treatment Delays

One of the more troubling aspects of illegible or confusing written prescriptions is the delay of treatment for many patients. When prescriptions require time to sort them out with providers, the delay can result in patient harm when they are unable to get urgently needed medication. Not are patients inconvenienced, but they are made more vulnerable to further medical complications.

E-Prescriptions

The new technology of e-prescriptions aims to change the estimated 37 errors for each 100 paper prescriptions that regularly occur. Also, these mistakes do not include legibility issues, when pharmacists are unable to read a doctor’s handwriting properly and need to call a medical provider to clarify. Nearly as many as 88 legibility errors per 100 prescriptions are estimated and many prescriptions have over one mistake.

This is a stark contrast to the 7 out of 100 errors for prescriptions issued through e-prescribing software. Studies have shown that errors are far less likely to occur when doctors click to select medications from onscreen lists and send prescription data through a computer to a pharmacy. Also, the fact that there is a record of what was prescribed gives essential medical record access to other key health care personnel.

Costs

Hospital settings have been found to have paper error rates on average for around 5 per 100 prescriptions. While most mistakes are not serious, around 7 percent typically have had a great potential for harm. Studies have indicated that the estimated annual costs for prescription errors in hospitals run to around $2 billion in the country.

Treatment for Mistakes

Anyone who has been a victim of a medication error should seek medical treatment at a different medical facility, preferably with a specialist, as soon as possible. Unfortunately, www.maryland-injury-lawyer.com states that, “Medication errors cause 1.5 million preventable Adverse Drug Events (ADE) and lead to 7,000 deaths each year.”

Patients who have suffered due to this medical error will need proper counsel with a dedicated advocate. Therefore, people or loved ones of someone who became injured as a result of a medication error should speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A qualified lawyer will help them recover the maximum compensation possible for their injuries or wrongful death caused by this form of negligent medical care.

Medication Errors

Below are some of the issues related to medication errors that can cause serious harm and even death to patients. Essentially, failing to administer medication correctly occurs when:

1. The incorrect medicine is prescribed
2. The wrong amount of medication is prescribed
3. Allergies and intolerance are not detected

Despite the success of e-prescriptions, it is estimated that only around 36 percent of all prescriptions have been delivered electronically in the nation over the past year. Therefore, until more medical facilities adopt e-prescription standards, there remains a high possibility that at some point, a person prescribed medicine will encounter an error. This is why it is estimated that mistakes with prescription medicines account for around one quarter of all medical malpractice cases.

Legal researcher Shelby Warden feels these errors can be avoided and hopes to raise awareness of the benefits for patients when doctors use this new technology. There is much more information about medical errors at www.maryland-injury-lawyer.com. Their skilled medical malpractice lawyers provide sound legal advice and will help victims obtain the compensation they deserve.

5 Things to Do After You’ve Been In a Car Accident

A car accident can cause a variety of injuries. There are several important steps that you should take after every car accident. Although, hopefully you will never need any of these tips, it’s better to be prepared and have a plan if something does happen.

Get out of Traffic

One of the common effects of a car accident is going through shock. During this time, injured drivers may not be able to process what is happening and may feel confused or disoriented. The first step to be taken is to move off the road and out of the line of traffic.

Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel like you don’t have any immediate injuries, you should always be evaluated by a physician right away. Many of the injuries associated with car accidents don’t indicate with symptoms until weeks or even months later. Injuries from car accidents can be devastating and alter your ability to live your life at the quality you are used to. The sooner you seek care, the sooner you’ll be on a path to recovery.

Contact the Insurance Company

After the accident, you should have traded insurance information with the other driver or drivers. Even if you feel like the damage to your vehicle is minimal, contact the insurance company to report the incident. This will initiate a chain of other activities, including follow-ups from an insurance adjuster, in order for your claim to be processed. It’s important to remain available and comfortable speaking to your insurance company representatives.

Hire an Attorney

Only a licensed attorney can vigorously represent your interests in court. You need to find a car accident lawyer experienced in personal injury and automobile accidents. There are many qualified lawyers available to evaluate your individual case. Before setting up a meeting, make a list of available attorneys and learn as much as possible from their website. When you meet with potential attorneys, ask many questions about their background, skills, and experience in handling these types of cases. You also want to find a lawyer who is compassionate about your case and concerned about your well-being.

Gather Evidence

Begin the process of collecting all data and documentation surrounding the accident. For example, you might collect photos, videos, reports from witnesses, or other details relevant to your case. Especially when the other driver was at fault for the accident, you want to be prepared with documentation to move forward with a case. You will also save yourself a lot of time by collecting this information early. During this time, do not communicate with the other party involved in the accident.

Your attorney will help you through the process of filing a claim and managing your case. Selecting an attorney is an important decision. What factors did you consider in choosing your car accident attorney?

Fine for company after worker loses finger in industrial accident

A Dagenham-based business has been fined and ordered to pay costs after one of its employees lost a finger in an accident at work.

An unidentified 39 year-old man from Greenwich, South-East London, was employed as a wood machinist by his employer, K & D Joinery, when the accident happened on 19 November 2010.

The incident occurred when the worker was using a wood-cutting machine on 19 November. He pushed the plank of wood that he was cutting towards the hand-fed machine but pushed too far and his fingers were caught in the machine. This resulted in sever lacertaions to his middle, ring and index fingers, with the middle finger having to be amputated because the injuries were so bad.

The incident was reported and the Health and Safety Executive were notified. An investigation was subsequently undertaken and this investigation recommended that the employer be prosecuted for an alleged breach of health and safety regulations.

The case came before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this week. The court heard that the worker had not been able to move the adjustable guard that was supposed to be protecting his fingers as it was faulty. It had apparently been defective for a number of months prior to the accident. The court found that K & D Joinery – who admitted breach of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (“PUWER 1998”) – was guilty of the charges. The company was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £4,500 costs. The company was also ordered to pay £3,000 in damages to the unidentified injured man.

It is not known currently whether the unidentified worker is going to claim personal injury in the courts.

Chris Hadrill, employment law solicitor at Redmans, commented on the case that “this case shows how easily serious accidents can happen in the workplace and serves to reinforce the fact that – legally and morally – employers have an obligation to ensure the health and welfare of their employees at work. The Health and Safety Executive is essential to ensuring that bad workplace practices are brought to light and poor health and safety practices punished”.

HSE Inspector Mr Mortuza stated after the hearing that “the failure by K & D Joinery to ensure the cutting block was properly guarded put any worker using it at significant risk of serious injury. he fact that the company was aware of the safety issues of the machine for many months before the incident, but continued to expose its employees to the risks involved in using the machine only adds gravity to the offence.”

Under the PUWER Regulations employers must ensure that measures to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery are put in place or that the movement of any dangerous part of the machines is stopped before any person enters a “danger zone” (Regulation 11(1)). In this case, the employer had failed to do this and was therefore guilty of a breach of PUWER.

Redmans Solicitors are employment law solicitors offering compromise agreement advice based in London

Heavy fines for businesses after employee dies in work accident

A man has been jailed and a business and its director heavily fined after a demolition worker fell to his death in County Durham.

Health and safety breaches can be particularly serious. It is recommended that businesses take employment law advice and health and safety law advice if they think that they may have breached health and safety regulations

A business, one of its directors and a subcontractor were in Newcastle Crown Court this week after a worker was killed in a fall from a cherry-picker after the cherry-picker was knocked over by a falling tree steel beam.

Ken Joyce, 53, was working for Alan Turnbull, trading as A&H Site Line Boring and Machining, on 2 December 2008 when the incident happened. At the time of the incident he was working on dismantling the steel structure of a roof at the Swan Hunter Shipyard in Newcastle. Mr Joyce was working in a cherry-picker and was working in tandem with two other workers, one in another cherry-picker and the other in a crane. Mr Joyce and the worker in the other cherry-picker were dismantling the steel beams and the crane would then lift the beams down to the ground. However, during the work one of the beams slipped and struck the cherry-picker. The cherry-picker was knocked over and Mr Joyce was knocked out of the basket from height. He fell to the ground and suffered serious head injuries, being pronounced dead soon after.

After the accident was reported a joint investigation was carried out by Northumbria Police and by the Health and Safety Executive (“HSE”). Criminal proceedings were then subsequently recommended by the investigation report and the matter came to the Newcastle Crown Court this week.

The Court was told that A&H Site Line Boring and Machining had had the work subcontracted to them by North Eastern Maritime Offshore Cluster Ltd, whose director was Mr Christopher William Taylor. Mr Taylor and North Eastern Maritime Offshore Cluster Ltd were responsible, the jury was told, for failing to ensure that Mr Turnbull’s business was sufficiently competent to carry out the works in question as the police investigation found that Mr Turnbull had failed to adequately plan the work in accordance with health and safety law. In particular, it was found by the police and HSE investigation that he had failed to plan a safe system of work to dismantle the steelwork structure.

Mr Turnbull was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter at the trial and sentenced to three years in prison. He had earlier pleaded guilty to breaches of s.2(1) and s.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Mr Taylor was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £50,000 after he was found guilty of breaching s.2(1) and s.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

North Eastern Maritime Offshore Cluster Ltd was found guilty of breaches s.2(1) and s.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined £1 for each offence in absentia as it is now in liquidation.

Redmans are employment law solicitors and offer compromise agreement advice