Firm fined after worker killed by excavator bucket

Two contractors and a demolition firm have been fined £30,000 following the death of a worker who was struck by the excavator bucket of a digger.
John Cain, 36, was working on a project to demolish the Albert Park Inn on Great Clowes Street in Salford on 22 November 2004 when he was hit by the bucket on a digger. He died from his injuries later that day.
The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted business partners Barry Godliman and Robert Watson who were the principal contractors on the site, and Windmill Demolition Company, a specialist subcontractor hired to carry out the demolition work.
Godliman and Watson pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure the safety of workers on the site.
They were each fined £7,500 and ordered to pay £2,000 towards the cost of the prosecution. Windmill Demolition was found guilty of the same offence following a trial at Manchester Crown Court in July. The company was fined £15,000 with no costs.
HSE Inspector Stuart Kitchingman said: “This case demonstrates how important it is for contractors to be aware of their health and safety duties, especially when there are several companies working on a project. Barry Godliman and Robert Watson were the principal contractors on the site and so should have made sure all work was carried out safely. Windmill Demolition had been hired to oversee and carry out the demolition work, and so had responsibilities for managing safety as well.