A demolition contractor has been prosecuted after a worker was crushed by a reversing excavator at a site in Stafford.

Sterry Lane Limited of Hickman Avenue, Eastfield, Wolverhampton pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15 (2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. It has been fined £50,000 with more than £1,726 in costs.

Newcastle under Lyme Magistrates' Court heard that employees of Sterry Lane were tasked with carrying out demolition work at the site on 03 May 2016.

While the workers were moving debris around the excavator, the vehicle began to reverse and crushed a 39-year-old employee.

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As well as sustaining serious injuries to his leg and torso, the worker suffered multiple fractures to his legs and pelvis, as well as punctured lungs and liver injuries. He requires assistance to move around his home and he has not returned to work more than 16 months.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the company failed to implement a suitable management system to segregate pedestrians and vehicles on site. In addition, HSE found the company failed to adequately plan the demolition work on site and failed to highlight the risks of workers and machinery operating in the same areas without clear communication between the driver and workers on the ground.

HSE inspector Katherine Blunt said: "This incident could have easily been prevented had the company implemented the required safety measures to minimise the risk of harm to workers on site.

"Sterry Lane's failings have led to this employee suffering life changing injuries, an individual's health should not be made worse by the work they do, all workers have the right to go home healthy."

(LM)