Fitness Infos

Airport Services Company Fined for Negligence towards Safety Norms

Aviance UK Ltd., a major airport services company has been heavily fined due to neglecting worker safety which resulted in the death of a maintenance worker. The negligence to safety measures came to light in an investigation which followed the death of a vehicle repair specialist.

The accident occurred at the terminal one of Heathrow Airport on twenty fifth March, 2008. The victim, Mohammad Taj, a vehicle maintenance worker was engaged in repairing a defective baggage tug, a special type of vehicle used at airport to pull baggage trolley. At the time of accident, the vehicle was lifted up to enable repairs and was 60 cm. in the air and Mohammad Taj was under the vehicle. Only one trolley jack was used to lift the vehicle up without any other support. The trolley jack moved backwards and the vehicle dropped on Mohammad Taj, killing him on the spot due to serious head injury.

The HSE investigated the case and found the company guilty of not carrying an axle stand to give support to the vehicle. The company was prosecuted for breaching section 2 of Health and Safety at work act of 1974. Aviance UK Ltd. pleaded guilty at the City of London Magistrates‘ Court. Consequently the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) imposed a fine of £90,000. Aviance also had to pay £18,800 as costs.

Apart from prosecuting the company the HSE has also issued a warning to other such companies against compromising worker safety. They underlined the need for regular checks of maintenance vehicles and also said that correct equipment should be made available and easily accessible to vehicle repair staff.

Workplace Law Group specialises in employment law, health and safety and premises management. They provide information, advice, training and consulting for organisations throughout the UK, to help them comply with the law and manage people in the workplace.

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