Contractor Fined After Worker's Death

A Dromore construction firm has been fined £65,000 for health and safety breaches which led to the death of an employee last year.

John Graham (Dromore) Ltd pleaded guilty to two breaches of legislation at Belfast Crown Court last week.

Gerard Morgan, 53, died at the premises of the former Ormeau Bakery, on Belfast's Ormeau Road last February after a telehandler reversed over him.

A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) revealed the firm did not ensure the telehandler driver had an adequate field of vision at the rear of the machine.


A visibility aid had previously been fitted at the rear of the machine but this was inoperational at the time of the incident.

Louis Burns, Head of HSENI's Major Investigation Team said: "Companies need to ensure that operators of mobile equipment should be able to see anyone who is put at risk when any control is operated, including driving in reverse.

"Therefore mirrors or more sophisticated visual sensing facilities may be required at the rear of mobile equipment such as telehandlers.

"In addition companies must ensure that a safe system of work is put into operation and consistently maintained."

(PR/BMcC)