23/11/2011

Fatal Site Accident Fine 'Won't Be Paid'

A property firm that has since gone bust has been fined a total of £60,000 for breaching health and safety regulations following the death of an employee, Colin Glass, during the construction of an apartment block.

However, the money will never be paid after a former director of Drumdollagh Construction Company - which is now in receivership - pleaded guilty to three breaches of health and safety regulations.

The accident happened at Priestland Road, Bushmills and saw the company also charged with corporate manslaughter - which will now formally be 'left on the books' and not acting upon.

Mr Glass died when the dumper he was driving overturned as he went up a temporary haul road that was too steep.

Ken Logan, Head of the Health & Safety Executive NI (HSENI)'s Construction Group said: "This accident could easily have been prevented. The dangers of failing to manage construction work are again the main cause of this tragic accident.

"Companies have a legal duty to ensure that an adequate Health and Safety Plan is developed taking on board the residual risks identified by the design team in the pre-construction information pack."

The firm, Drumdollagh was placed into administration by Ulster Bank in 2009 after it was found to have owed the bank more than £2m as well as another £400,000 to unsecured creditors.

(CD)

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