On 4th December 2012, Scott Dobson from Doncaster was carrying out maintenance work near Saxilby in Lincolnshire when he was struck by a passing train.
As part of its statutory duties, the Office of Rail & Road (ORR) investigated and found a number of failings in Carillion’s planning and management of the work. Only one of the two railway lines had been blocked while maintenance was being done, whereas both lines should have been closed, to minimise the possibility of workers being struck by passing trains.
Carillion Construction Ltd pleaded guilty at Lincolnshire Magistrates’ Court yesterday (11th January 2015). On top of the £200,000 fine it was also ordered to pay costs of £36,570.39.
Chief inspector of railways Ian Prosser said: “This accident was wholly avoidable, had Carillion Construction Ltd followed health and safety rules set out for the railways. Our sympathies are with Mr Dobson’s family.
“The safety of workers and passengers is a top priority for the regulator, which is why ORR inspectors are out on the railway daily, monitoring to ensure safety isn’t compromised.”
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