North London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – North London Energy Ltd was fined £400,000 after Enfield worker Paul McDaid, 58 years old, was nearly crushed at the Edmonton site due to poor safety during construction on May 13, 2022.
As Yahoo News reported, London Energy Ltd, a North London company, has been fined £400,000 following a serious workplace accident that nearly killed a council worker. On May 13, 2022, Paul McDaid, an Enfield Council employee, was badly hurt at the company’s waste transfer station in Edmonton.
The 58-year-old was closing his tractor’s tailgate after dumping waste when a large shovel loader reversed into him. The vehicle operator didn’t know McDaid was behind the tractor and crushed him between the 2 machines. McDaid suffered life-threatening injuries. The site was undergoing major construction at the time, and the accident happened in a temporary work area.
What led to London Energy’s £400k safety fine?
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that London Energy Ltd did not adequately complete a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the temporary work area. The company did not have adequate safety procedures in place to ensure the safety of the workers. There was inadequate traffic management such as clear routes, barriers and spotters for all heavy vehicles, leading to a hazardous situation.
North London Energy Ltd accepted its liability for a breach of health and safety regulations and fines of £400,000 and £7,260 in costs. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) remarked that the accident was avoidable, stating too that the importance of strict adherence to safety processes is essential – particularly during site disruptions or construction.
The investigation into the near-fatal accident at London Energy Ltd’s Edmonton waste transfer station found several safety failures. According to officials, the company failed to separate people and vehicles with barriers or walkways, a basic safety measure.
They have stated that this lack of separation was the cause of the accident which occurred on May 13, 2022. The location was erected as a temporary construction/park due to construction activity, but there were no adequate risk assessments or safety due to the increase in risk.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found London Energy Ltd failed to properly assess risks and protect workers in the temporary area. The site lacked traffic controls and didn’t separate heavy machinery from people. The HSE said the accident was preventable due to poor safety planning. The company admitted guilt.