Man crushed to death by digger
11/08/2010
The death of a quarry worker, killed by a five-and-a-half tonne digger, has resulting in his Aberdeen-based employer being fined £96,000.
On November 21, 2008, Arthur Jamieson was working below the digger at Parkmore Quarry, Dufftown, Aberlour, when it rolled backwards on to him.
The 58-year-old mobile plant fitter, from Keith, Banffshire, was fixing a transmission leak on the vehicle when the accident occurred, Elgin Sheriff Court heard. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted his employer Leiths Scotland Limited, which specialises in general construction, quarrying operations and civil engineering.
The vehicle was raised on a ramp, but its rear wheels were inadequately secured. Mr Jamieson was crushed when the vehicle rolled off the ramp, and was suffocated as a result of a wheel compressing his chest.
The company, based in Rigifa, Cove, Aberdeen, pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Elgin Sheriff Court on Monday, where it was ordered to pay £96,000.
After sentencing, HSE inspector Norman Buchanan said: "This tragic incident should have been avoided. Although Arthur Jamieson was undoubtedly an experienced mobile plant fitter, he had not previously carried out this particular task for this firm. He should have received adequate information, training and supervision from his employers, which Leiths did not provide."
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