08/10/2010 - Veolia fined over roadside death
Veolia ES, the waste and recycling company, has been fined £225,000 over an incident in which a worker was killed while collecting rubbish from a busy road.
Damian Griffiths, 20, was litter-picking on a grass verge of the A228 in Kent when the incident occurred in 2007.
Maidstone Crown Court heard that Mr Griffiths was working with a colleague who was driving a caged vehicle.
A large goods lorry travelling in the same direction collided with the Veolia ES vehicle.
It was heard in court that Mr Griffiths was hit by the caged vehicle following the collision. He died at the scene.
Veolia ES was found guilty of breaching regulations surrounding health and safety at work.
Health and Safety Executive inspector Caroline Penwill said: "Those responsible for managing roadside jobs must ensure that safe systems of work are in place, and measures are taken to safeguard workers and members of the public."
In a statement, Richard Berry, executive director of Veolia Environmental Services, said: "We are disappointed with the jury's verdict as we believe this was the result of a road traffic accident and based on this we are seeking to appeal this matter."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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