Construction company fined £285k following worker’s death at the University of Birmingham

A construction company has been fined £285k following a worker’s death at the University of Birmingham

Igor Malka, 62, was working on a scissor lift at the university when he plummeted 10 metres in an attempt to install cladding for an engineering hall. Another man, Edmund Vispulskis, sustained serious injuries when a neighbouring crane pulled the equipment over.

The BBC reported that the construction firm involved, Balfour Beaty admitted to violating health and safety regulations at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday.

According to an investigation by Health and Safety Executive, if the firm had implemented better controls, neither of the men may have suffered the consequences of this incident.

Investigators added that there was also no lift supervisor present at the time of the incident and that on-site communication was unsatisfactory.

Inspector Gareth Langston explained the event demonstrated the significance of having good plans in place. He said: “This was a tragic incident that led to the death of a worker with another being seriously injured and still experiencing difficulties today as a result.”

However, the Health and Safety Executive did not persecute the University of Birmingham in this case.

On top of the £284k fine, Balfour Beaty was ordered to pay £21,768 in costs, according to the BBC.

A spokesperson for Balfour Beatty said, “Our heartfelt thoughts remain with Igor’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“The health and safety of our workforce will always be our primary concern. This tragic event has prompted further improvement to our processes, and we have shared the lessons we have learnt across our business.”

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