December 3, 2018 5.19 pm This story is over 63 months old

Firms fined £1.4m after security guard’s death

He was hit by a lorry
Immingham Docks. Photo: Associated British Ports

Three companies have been fined a total £1.44 million after a hearing into the death of a male security guard, who was hit by a lorry at Immingham Docks.

The security guard, who was employed at the container terminal at Immingham Docks, approached an HGV which was entering a gate on September 9, 2015. He then walked in front of the vehicle.

Hull Crown Court heard how the guard was not visible to the driver, either on approach to the vehicle or as he walked in front of it when he was dragged underneath as it turned towards a warehouse.

He sustained multiple injuries and died at the scene.

Associated British Ports, DFDS Seaways PLC and ICTS (UK) Ltd were given fines on Monday, December 3 after a court hearing.

HSE investigation

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Associated British Ports and DFDS Seaways PLC had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient workplace transport risk assessment.

It was also discovered that they had not considered the risks that vehicles entering, leaving and manoeuvring in the gate area posed to others.

ABP required the security guard at the gate to stop traffic and check pedestrians and vehicles entering the terminal.

However, the firm failed to provide means to do so safely as there was no signage indicating drivers should stop and report to security, as well as no safe facilities.

ICTS (UK) Ltd failed to provide adequate training. The risks of stopping traffic without any physical protective measures in place had also not been considered.

The pleas

  • ABP, of Bedford Street, London pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The firm has been fined £750,750 with £9781.52 costs.
  • DFDS Seaways PLC of Nordic House, Immingham Docks, Immingham pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The firm was fined £166,670 with £9766.02 costs.
  • ICTS (UK) Ltd of Tavistock House, Tavistock Square, London pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The firm was fined £500,000 with £9338.82 costs.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Carol Downes said: “There are more than 5,000 incidents involving transport in the workplace every year, and, like in this case, sadly, some of which are fatal.

“HSE found inadequate consultation between parties and no assessment of the risks to the segregation of vehicles and pedestrians. A properly implemented transport risk assessment should have identified sufficient measures to separate people and vehicles, and provide safe facilities.”