Construction company fined £145,000 over death of worker on site

A construction firm has been fined £145,125 over the death of a worker at the Baird Family Hospital site last year.

Alistair Hutton, 51, from Forfar died as a result of a serious head injury whilst operating machinery.

Mr Hutton was using a moving elevated work platform (MEWP) along a corridor at the hospital when his head struck a metal intel which left him unconscious with "catastrophic" injuries.

He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the incident occurred.

NG Bailey Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 3(1) and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

At Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday 21 March, NG Bailey Limited was fined £135,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £10,125.

HSE investigation

An HSE investigation found the firm had failed to consider overhead obstructions, especially during the transit of MEWP's on site.

HSE served an Improvement Notice, and the firm has since addressed the issues with a "revised Safe System of Work" and all staff were briefed on correct methods on how to use MEWPs.

HSE inspector Graham McEvoy said: “There was a failure by NG Bailey Limited to consider available guidance and the work that was being done, which led to inadequate risk control measures being implemented and unsafe working practices developing.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards. Our thoughts remain with Mr Hutton’s family and friends.”

NG Bailey Limited has been approached for comment.

No confirmed opening date

The Baird Family Hospital is currently under construction on the Foresterhill Campus near Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

It was due to open in 2020, but currently has no opening date confirmed after facing a number of delays.

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