05/10/2010 - Caravan firm fined for barn death
A Lincolnshire-based caravan park operator has been fined after a worker fell to his death in a hay barn on the outskirts of Doncaster.
Blue Anchor Leisure Ltd, from Chapel St Leonards, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after the incident on September 4, 2008.
Clifford Hartley, 59, from Skegness, fell while repairing the roof of a fire-damaged barn at Westfield Farm on Nutwell Lane, Armthorpe.
To safeguard against a fall, a stack of hay bales had been constructed in the barn, but Doncaster Magistrates Court heard that Mr Hartley fell 18 inches to the right of the hay, suffering fatal head injuries after landing on concrete.
The stacks only reached the roof in parts without extending far enough into the barn to provide full protection.
The HSE prosecuted the caravan firm for failing to secure the safety of its workers.
This tragic case might serve as a timely reminder to employers to make sure their liability insurance is as comprehensive as possible to guard against accidents in the workplace.
Blue Anchor Leisure Ltd had admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, before being fined £15,000 and handed £4,964 in legal costs on September 30.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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