A company has been prosecuted after a man was crushed to death during work to move a broken down scissor lift at Heathrow Airport.

Laing O'Rourke Construction Limited of Crossways in Dartford pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 22(1)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. It was fined £800,000 with £10,000 in costs.

Southwark Crown Court heard how Philip Griffiths, 38, and his brother Paul were working for Laing O'Rourke to move a broken down scissor lift on a service road at Heathrow Airport on 02 October 2014.

As Paul tried to tow the machine away using a dumper truck under the direction of managers, his foot got stuck between the brake and the accelerator, causing the truck to reverse.Philip, who was standing between the two vehicles, suffered crush injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.


A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that neither worker was authorised with the appropriate certificate to use the dumper truck, and that the operation was not properly overseen or managed.

HSE Inspector Jack Wilby said: "This incident was a tragedy for all concerned and, as revealed by our investigation, entirely avoidable.

"Laing O'Rourke did nothing to address the trend of these workers carrying out tasks they weren't trained or authorised for. These dedicated staff, including Philip and his brother, needed appropriate supervision.

"Had there been appropriate supervision, then better segregation between Philip and these two vehicles could have been established and maintained. This case should act as a reminder of the dangers of using workplace transport without proper planning, management or monitoring of the risks involved."

(LM/CD)