Firm fined after worker’s death

A construction firm that was building a training academy for Everton FC has been fined after a labourer who was working on the site fell to his death.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how in February 2007 a guard-rail gave way at the club's Finch Farm centre in Halewood, Merseyside, causing Karl Davis to fall out of an open window frame.

The married 43-year-old, from Wallasey, Merseyside, remained in a coma until he died less than a week after his birthday on May 29 2007.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Kier North West, part of the Kier Group, who were subsequently fined £160,000.

A rubbish chute had been attached to a temporary guard-rail at the window frame, leading to a skip below.

Kier North West's site management team had failed to ensure that the guard-rail could withstand the weight of the chute and materials being thrown down it.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to ensure the safety of workers.

Kier North West, which is based in Tempsford Hall in Sandy, Bedfordshire, was ordered to pay £43,993 costs in addition to the fine.

A spokesman for the Kier Group said: "The group takes the health and safety of its workforce extremely seriously and has taken every opportunity to revisit and reinforce its site safety procedures."

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