Firms prosecuted over roadworker’s fatal plunge

Two firms have been ordered to pay a total of more than £500,000 after a roadworker suffered fatal injuries in a 12-metre plunge while repairing CCTV cameras over the M5. Cecil Grant, of Southmead, Bristol, suffered serious injuries after falling off a wall while carrying out the repairs near junction 20 northbound between Clevedon and Gordano. He died 10 days later in hospital. The 42-year-old’s employer Serco Ltd along with principal contractor Birse Civils Ltd were both prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive following the incident in January 2006. An investigation by the HSE found Serco has failed to manage and monitor the work correctly, meaning Mr Grant was unaware of the drop. HSE inspector, Steve Frain, said: “There were major failings in the way this work was planned which sadly resulted in Mr Grant’s tragic death.” Serco Ltd, of Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook, Hampshire, was fined a total of £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £36,186 after admitting breaching health and safety laws at Bristol Crown Court. Birse Civils Ltd, Grimstone Grane, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, was fined £100,000 and ordered to pay costs of £180,093 after pleading guilty to the same charges at the court. IBB Solicitors has built a reputation for quality of service in pursuing compensation in cases involving accident, illness or death, including accidents in the workplace. If you would like advice on personal injury issues, contact a member of IBB’s Personal Injury team: call us on 08456 381381 or email pi@ibblaw.co.uk.