Suffolk farming duo fined after young father electrocuted
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The partners of a Suffolk-based farm have been ordered to pay £28,400 after a haulage contractor was killed by an overhead power line strike.
Haulier Christopher Wilson was killed when his tipping trailer was raised and made contact with overhead power lines running across part of the yard at the Airfield Grain store, in Parham near Framlingham.
Mr Wilson, who was aged in his 30s, was electrocuted and he died at the scene on 30 August 2016.
See also: Take care when working under power lines
The site was managed by Suffolk farmers Nicholas and Roger Watts, partners of FS Watts and Sons.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found FS Watts and Sons had failed to take suitable precautions for work near to the overhead electric power lines.
This was despite recommendations given to them previously by NFU Mutual Risk Management Services
HSE: Avoidable death
Both partners pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 3(1)(a) contrary to regulation 14, of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Each was fined £9,500 and ordered to pay costs of £4,700.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Saffron Turnell said: “This tragic incident led to the avoidable death of a young father.
“This death could easily have been prevented if those in control of operations at the grain store had acted to identify and manage the risks involved and put a safe system of work in place.”