Organisation hit with fine after workers die in accident

A company has been prosecuted after two of its workers were killed in an accident.

During a hearing at Ayr sheriff court, Scottish Coal - which identifies itself as the UK's largest surface coal producer - was issued a fine of £400,000 after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety regulations.

The incident occurred in February 2007 when the vehicle employees Colin Fergusson and Brian French were in was crushed by a 100 tonne capacity dump truck.

A subsequent investigation revealed that the truck's driver could not see the vehicle because it was in his blind spot.

"Earth-moving vehicles such as dump trucks or bulldozers have poor visual fields due to their large size," stated Health and Safety Executive inspector Norrie Buchanan.

He added that it is "crucial" that measures are taken in order to ensure drivers of such vehicles are aware of other workers around them.

28/08/2008 15:20