Carillion and Network Rail fined £1m after rail deaths

Carillion and Network Rail have been fined £1.1m and ordered to pay £100,000 costs between them, following the deaths of two rail workers.

David Pennington, 46, from Burnley, and Martin Oates, 38, from Sheffield were hit by a reversing road rail vehicle (RRV) while laying new track near Hednesford, Staffordshire in the early hours of a night in September 2004.

The two firms were successfully prosecuted by the British Transport Police and Crown Prosecution Service. They were sentenced yesterday at Stafford Crown Court.

Network Rail, which was charged with endangering a non-employee, was fined £666,667 and ordered to pay £50,000 costs.

Carillion, which was charged with endangering an employee and a non-employee, was fined £444,444 and also ordered to pay £50,000 costs.

Three individuals operating the RRV were also prosecuted under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Wayne Brigden, aged 29, from Hernal Croft, Yardley, Birmingham, was fined £3,000.

David Jones, aged 48, from Parkland Crescent, Appleby Magna, Swadlincote, and John Brady, aged 45, from Chaucer Grove, Acocks Green, Birmingham, were fined £3,000 reduced to £750 because they are currently out of work and receiving benefits.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: “This was a very tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the families of the deceased. Fortunately incidents such as this are very rare on Britain’s railways. Safety is Network Rail’s number one priority and we take this responsibility very seriously as we continue to make the countries railways ever safer.”

A Carillion spokeswoman said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Martin Oates and David Pennington.

“Carillion’s prime concern remains the health and safety and well being of all our employees, sub-contractors and anyone who may be affected by our activities.

“Carillion recognises that first class health and safety standards are fundamental to our business and we remain committed to reinforcing this across all our businesses.”