Knowsley-based Firesafe Installations Ltd uses scissor lifts to access high work areas. In 2009 employee Shaun Scurry was killed when he became trapped between a lift’s guardrail and some overhead ducting at the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, east London.
Southwark Crown Court in London heard yesterday (11 April) that a colleague was unable to release him and bring him down because he did not know how to use the emergency controls.
The court was told that although Firesafe Installations could not be held directly accountable for the death, it should have ensured staff knew how to operate the equipment they were using.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company’s familiarisation training was inadequate.
Firesafe Installations Limited, of Security House, Caddick Road, Knowsley Industrial Park South, was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £29,000 in costs after pleading guilty to a single breach of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
After the hearing HSE inspector Eileen Gascoigne said: "This tragic case underlines the importance of familiarisation training – not only for direct operatives, but also those who may be required to take control in the event of an emergency.
"There is clear HSE and industry guidance on what is expected of companies working with MEWPs in this regard, and the failing of Firesafe Installations Limited is a clear example of why it is so important."
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