Green Macs fined £50k for fatality

McNicholas Construction Services has been fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £11,000 costs at Birmingham Crown Court for a site fatality two years ago.

On 25 February 2003, 19-year old Kyle Newell suffered fatal injuries when a number of steel bars fell from an excavator during the installation of a new drainage and sewage system at a site in Wylde Green, Birmingham.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act in so much that it allowed Newell on site without adequate training and supervision.

Health & Safety Executive investigating inspector Ray Cooke said: "To avoid other lives being lost needlessly, we would urge all construction companies to review their training and induction procedures to ensure workers can be safe. This young man's death and the significant fine given to McNicholas highlights the tragic and financial consequences of companies failing to adequately train their workforce."