A worker from Handsworth, Sheffield died when part of a 33-tonne metal barge he was dismantling collapsed on top of him, a court has heard.
William Ward, 56, sustained fatal crush injuries in the incident at European Metal Recycling Ltd’s Kingsbury depot in Warwickshire on 12 October 2011.
The recycling giant, which operates across Europe, Asia and the Americas, was jointly sentenced on 19 December after an investigation by the HSE identified serious flaws with the method of work being used to dismantle the barges.
Warwickshire Crown Court heard that Mr Ward was working alongside others to cut and dismantle two large steel barges using oxy-acetylene torches.
Mr Ward had finished cutting through the outer skin of the barge’s hull and had moved inside the now unsupported structure to cut some supporting braces when the side collapsed in on him. The married father of two died at the scene.
EMR failed to do enough to protect the workers, and ensure that burning contractors on site were competent and working safely.
European Metal Recycling Ltd of Westbrook, Warrington, Cheshire, was fined £150,000 and ordered to pay £80,000 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Mark Austin said: “European Metal Recycling Ltd used Mr Ward to work for them as a burner, and were responsible for his safety and for ensuring the barges were being dismantled in a safe manner.
“Our investigation found they all neglected that responsibility and Mr Ward has paid the ultimate price with his life – a terrible and senseless loss that was completely preventable had the work been better planned and managed.”
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