Firm Fined £15k For Employee Death

A Co Antrim construction firm has been £15,000 following the death of an employee.

Creevecastle Ltd pleaded guilty at Antrim Crown Court to two breaches in a case brought by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).

Harry Finlay died when the woodworking machine that he was attempting to move fell onto him in May last year.

Subsequent enquiries by HSENI revealed that Creevecastle Ltd had not sufficiently assessed the risks involved in moving heavy equipment.


In addition, the company had not developed an adequate safe system of work.

The firm pleaded guilty to a breach of Article 4 of the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, for failing to ensure the safety of their employees, and was fined £10,000.

They also pleaded guilty to a breach of Regulation 4 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (NI) 1999, for using unsuitable equipment to move machines, and fined £5,000.

Kevin Campbell, an Inspector with HSENI, said: "Companies need to properly identify and address hazards within the workplace. As a result of this process, systems need to be implemented to minimise and control the risks.

"These systems need to be communicated to the workforce, implemented, maintained, and updated when necessary."

(PR/KMcA)