12/08/2010 - Firm fined £96,000 over crush death
A quarrying firm has been fined £96,000 after an employee was crushed to death under a mechanical digger in Moray.
Arthur Jamieson, 58, from Keith, Banffshire, died after the accident on November 21, 2008, at Parkmore Quarry, Dufftown, Aberlour.
Aberdeen-based Leiths Scotland Limited, specialising in quarrying operations, general construction activities and civil engineering, pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Elgin Sheriff Court.
The court heard how mobile plant fitter Mr Jamieson, who was fixing a transmission leak on the five-and-a-half tonne digger, was crushed when the vehicle rolled off a ramp.
Investigation found that the rear wheels of the vehicle, which was raised on the ramp, were inadequately secured and that Mr Jamieson was suffocated by one of the wheels compressing his chest.
Inspector Norman Buchanan of The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which prosecuted the firm over the incident, said: "This tragic incident should have been avoided.
"Although Arthur Jamieson was undoubtedly an experienced mobile plant fitter, he had not previously carried out this particular task for this firm.
"He should have received adequate information, training and supervision from his employers, which Leiths did not provide."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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