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Work related death results in prison sentance for two bosses


Posted by Chris Owen | Date Posted 09.08.2007 | Time Posted 10:31:40 | Views: 607

Two businessmen have been sentenced to prison terms following the death of a worker at their premises.

Engaged father-of-three Christopher Meachen, 28, died at the Concrete Company on the Longwater Industrial Estate, Norfolk, in November 2005, after being caught in a slew conveyor pit that he was trying to clear while the belt was still running. The conveyor carried aggregate and sand up to the hoppers, where cement is manufactured. There was no guard on the machine, and no emergency stop button within reach.

A joint investigation into the circumstances of his death, carried out by Norfolk CID and HSE inspectors, revealed that safety standards at the company's 13 East Anglia sites were almost non-existent.

Area manager Roy Burrows, 48, and managing director Timothy Dighton, 45, pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges at Norwich Crown Court. The company was also charged with s2 charges relating to s37 – the negligence of employers – to which Dighton, as managing director, also pleaded guilty.~

On 5 July, Dighton was sentenced to 12 months in prison, and Burrows to nine months. The Concrete Company was found liable for four fifths of the costs, totalling £89,000, and fined £75,000. Burrows was also ordered to pay the other fifth of legal costs, but could not afford to do so.

Detective Inspector Richard Graveling of the Norfolk Constabulary added: "These convictions should send out a clear message to other employers in the area that they are fully responsible, and accountable, for the safety of their employees."


Published in sections: Health and Safety ::

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