Firm fined over employee death fall
25/05/2010
The death of a construction worker, who fell from the fourth floor of a building site in Belfast, has cost his employer £30,000.
Jonathan Friel, 35, a married father with two children was working at the Obel Tower in the city when he fell through unsupported plywood, landing on the concreted first floor. He suffered severe head injuries and died.
Construction company Fernwave was given the fine at Belfast Crown Court after admitting it neglected health and safety.
Director Connor Bradley pleaded guilty to three health and safety offences, including failing to protect employees from risk, failing in health and safety and failing to ensure a safe system of work to prevent falls.
Judge Tom Burgess, presiding over the case, said he hoped the fine would deter other companies from neglecting health and safety.
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